WHS/WMS Band Clinic & Masterclass
March 10, 2016
Submitted by Christy English, Walton High School
This past Saturday (March 5), the WHS band had a clinic and masterclass with guest clinicians traveling from Pensacola, Mississippi, Dothan, Cantonment, and Gainesville to work with the Walton Middle and High School bands as we prepare for our Concert Band Music Performance Assessment next week. The groups worked with two clinicians to start the day for an hour with each, then students of like instruments (both middle and high together) worked with a professional musician/educator who plays their specific instrument (flutes worked with a flute specialist, percussion worked with a percussion specialist, etc.).
Once the masterclasses were done, all the middle and high school students gathered in the band room to hear a special presentation from Sgt. Bradley, a percussionist from the United States Army Band. He talked to the students about his daily routine, boot camp, musical experiences as a military musician, and performances around the world. He also answered questions from various students.
The students all left excited, with more knowledge about music & their instruments and motivated to continue to get better.