Clarke middle schoolers to take part in Simpson Honor Band

Two eighth grade students from Clarke Middle School will participate in the 29th Annual Simpson College Orpheus Honor Band Festival on Tuesday, Jan. 17, 2017. Band members were chosen not only based upon written recommendations from their band teachers, but also to provide proper instrumentation for two balanced honor bands of equal playing ability. Both of the honor bands are named for Simpson’s colors — the Red Band and the Gold Band. Students from 47 different schools have been given music to practice prior to the festival. On the day of the festival, all of the students will rehearse together during the morning and afternoon as an ensemble for the first time. Then that evening, they will present a concert for the public. Each of the two honor bands has approximately 95 members apiece. The concert will begin 6:30 p.m. Jan. 17, 2017, at with a performance by some Simpson College Instrumental Ensembles, followed by both of the middle school honor bands. All of the performances will take place in Pote Theatre at the Blank Performing Arts Center on the campus of Simpson College in Indianola. The concert is free and open to the public.

Katie Donaldson, daughter of Sarah and Michael Donaldson, was selected to play flute in the Gold Honor Band. In addition, Nicole Barnard, daughter of Tammy and Randy Barnard, was chosen to play clarinet in the Gold Honor Band. Both of these students have been rehearsing the honor band music with their teacher, Christie Averweg, the Clarke Middle School band director, in order to prepare for the festival.