Ten young Yorkton musicians were chosen to join the South Saskatchewan Junior Honor Band in Regina early this month.
Band teachers from the southern half of the province nominate their most promising students, generally from Grade 7 or 8, to take part in a weekend of advanced musical training under top instructors from across the province each year.
Matthew McKee, Teghan Harvey, Edie Schramm, Caitlyn Van Parys, Elizabeth Reid, Kelsey Prychak, Brooke Switzer, and Zanna McCrea of Yorkdale Central School joined Larren Clark and Daniel McCoshen of St. Michael's Elementary School on the trip to Regina on the first weekend of April.
"We gathered with a whole bunch of people from southern Saskatchewan and kind of just did two days practicing in sectionals then practiced with the whole band," said Matthew McKee.
A concert with the full band finished the weekend.
"It was really fun for me, because the songs were harder so it was more challenging," said Elizabeth Reid.
"We were able to learn new techniques," added Zanna McCrea. "Different musical rhythms and staccatos and dynamics and things like that. It's a learning experience, but at the same time you're showcasing what you already know."
The group of Grade 8 students will soon be graduating to the senior level, with its tougher entry requirements for honor band. But their experience in Regina has inspired many of them to stick to the challenge.
"I learned lots, and it was fun," said Edie Schramm.
"We met lots of new people," Kelsey Prychak added.
