March 19, 2024

Clarke students chosen for SCIBA honor bands

Several Clarke Community Middle School band members were accepted into the South Central Iowa Bandmasters Association (SCIBA) Honor Bands.

Samuel Reynoldson, son of Elisabeth and Robert Reynoldson, auditioned on alto saxophone and earned a prestigious place in the SCIBA Blue Band.

This year, the Blue Band will be under the direction of Jason Pentico from Pella High School in Pella. The Blue Band is the most elite of the honor bands and is made up solely of eighth-graders who audition to earn their place.

In addition, three seventh-grade students were selected to represent Clarke in the SCIBA Red Band.

Kenna DeVore, daughter of Pam and Chad DeVore, was selected on flute, Hunter Marple, son of Patty and Frank Marple, was chosen on trumpet, and Bailey Smith, daughter of Saundra and Justin Smith, was selected on clarinet.

The Red Band consists solely of seventh-grade musicians who were nominated by their band directors. The Red Band will be conducted by Rene Bernard from Indian Hills Junior High School in West Des Moines.

Each of the honor bands has approximately 100 members. The SCIBA Honor Band Festival will be held on Tuesday, Nov. 4, at Knoxville High School in Knoxville.

Students from 75 schools located in the south central portion of the state will rehearse together during the afternoon and present a concert for the public in the evening.

The Red Band will perform at 6:30 p.m. and the Blue Band will perform at 7:30 p.m.

The admission fee for audience members is $3 for adults and $2 for non-participating students.