Oak Grove eighth and seventh grade band students had an extremely successful Saturday at Richmond's annual middle school music festival logging superior 'I' ratings for 51 different events and 25 excellent 'II' ratings. "I am overwhelmed with the success of our middle school band students today!" Quoted director Beth Jinkins. "These students have worked diligently to represent Oak Grove Middle School. Not only did they play well, they behaved well receiving compliments from judges, parents from other schools, and our bus drivers!" Among all the solos and small ensembles that performed, 78 students achieved a division 'I' rating, up from last year's 62.

The Oak Grove instrumental program brought 85 events, which included solos, duets, trios and quartets. In addition to these small groups, the eighth grade band also performed for two judges receiving a superior 'I' rating. "It's hard to describe the pride I feel right now," stated Nathan Long, director. "This class of students has done an exemplary job of representing our program and our school. From their Grand Champion status at Carrollton in the fall to their Superior rating at Richmond on Saturday, these students set goals and achieve them." Oak Grove Middle School assistant principal, Tom Huffington, traveled to Richmond to support the band students' effort. After listening to the band's performance, Huffington stated, "They did great! But then, they always do great!"

Every band student in the seventh and eighth grade must prepare and perform a solo or small ensemble for a judge. With help and direction, music is selected for the festival, which is organized by Oak Grove alum and Richmond band director Jeff Clymore. Band students learn many valuable lessons through this unit including teamwork, stage presence and multi-tasking skills. Seventh grade band flutist, Sydney Feltrop stated, "I like how we got to choose whether to play by ourselves or with others. I also like playing for judges and getting their opinion. But the part I liked the best was using teamwork to try our hardest for each other." Trumpeter John Perez's favorite part of Richmond was "getting to see friends and people from other schools play their instruments. I got a I on my duet this year. I think next year I'll try a solo!" Seventh grade trombonist, Marcus Cox, added, "I took a solo this year. I couldn't believe I got to have an adult accompany me on the piano! Next year I want to take another solo!" Two accompanists, Rachel Horn and Heather Frank, worked with students before and after school to prepare for Saturday's performances. Horn complimented the students' work ethic by stating, "It seems this year, the students' level of achievement has risen greatly. They just keep raising the bar!"

Austin Thomas, a student teacher completing his degree from the University of Central Missouri in Warrensburg was also instrumental in the success of the Oak Grove band students. "I'm thankful to be placed in Oak Grove. The instrumental program here has an incredible reputation that I'm grateful to learn from and help with this semester." Thomas said. Thomas will be making his directorial debut with the sixth grade ensemble at the Showcase of Bands concert Tuesday, March 1st at the high school.

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