Music was in the air on Valentine’s Day when four students from Tecumseh High School performed in the Ohio Music Education Association’s (OMEA) District XII Honor Band concert at Centerville High School.

The OMEA District XII Honor Band is comprised of outstanding band students from schools in Clark, Greene, and Montgomery counties. Students are nominated for the District Honor Band by their high school band director; nominees then audition for a seat and chance to play in the yearly Honor Band concert.

Tecumseh students chosen to participate in the 2016 OMEA District XII Honor Band are: Seniors Abby Krakora (flute) and Kami Duff (flute); Sophomore Sierra Weaver (tuba); and Freshman Gwen Chappell (bass clarinet). Mr. Kyle Young, Associate Director of Bands from Carmel High School, Indiana conducted the Honors Symphonic Band; Dr. Stephen Lytle, Associate Director of Bands from Miami University directed the top Wind Ensemble.

Tecumseh Marching Band Director, Melissa L. Willardson, says the opportunity to participate in an OMEA Honor Band is an important one. According to Willardson, they provide a creative outlet where high school musicians have the opportunity to make music with other outstanding students from their area. Honor Band participants also get to work with guest conductors who willingly share their musical knowledge and provide additional instruction to young musicians.

The Tecumseh Band Boosters provides the monies to cover the Honor Band participation fees for each Tecumseh student. Community members wishing to support students in the Tecumseh Band program are invited to attend the many band events and concerts held throughout the school year. Information about Tecumseh High School band events can be found under the “High School” tab on the Tecumseh Local Schools website.