By Grace Milton

SARATOGA–On February 18th and 19th, ten students were selected to join the Zone 7 Area All-State band and chorus. There was Lindsay Martin on percussion, Melissa MacDonald on trumpet, Hannah Smith on trombone, Kelsey Caruso-Sharpe on bass clarinet and Grace Milton on clarinet in the band. Sarah Kopa, Brady Smith, Cody Alvord, Cameron Smith and Erin Klamp were selected to join the chorus.

The students left at noon on November 18th and made their way to Saratoga High School where they found their separate areas and filed into a crowded room with over a hundred and forty performers. As we walked in, we found and sat by people that were in the same group as us. The two people we sat next to were going to be the best friends we had for the next few days.

Rehearsals started at 1:00 on Friday and lasted until 5:00. On Saturday rehearsals started at 9:00, and then each group had dress rehearsal, lunch and then more rehearsal or a performance. The performance started with the Jazz Band then moved to the choir, then the band, and then the orchestra. The whole performance ended around 5:00PM. The hours flew by as we spent our time practicing and working on all the pieces we had to perform. “The concert was spectacular!” according to audience member Mrs. Milton.

The band students were directed by Mr. Sutherland who started off as a trumpet player in high school and then became a conductor.  He also travels around to many different schools and works with the band and chorus members, which includes  a two hour leadership workshop.

Last October the Galway band and chorus students had the pleasure of having  Mr. Sutherland visit the school and were involved in the workshop. We were joined by the Corinth and Schoharie band students. We were forced to sit next to new people, meet new friends and listen to the stories. If you’ve ever met Mr. Sutherland you know what a great speaker he is. He has many wonderful stories that help show kids that they can act as leaders and how being a leader can make a difference for not only your own life, but for the others around you.

Once again, the Area All-State Festival proved to be an enriching experience for all.