AMS had 3 students chosen for the Northeast Kansas All-District 7th/8th Grade Band. Karis Dolenz, Percussion, Ashlea Chapman, Clarinet, and Jacob Bullock, French Horn. These students will travel to Blue Valley High School on December 1st and participate in a concert with other students from Northeast Kansas.

On Saturday, March 8th three Middle School students traveled to Washburn University in Topeka to participate in the CMENC Middle School Solo Festival. Two months ago 7th Grader Sophie Enzbrenner (Trumpet) and 8th graders Joy Earl (Flute) and Ashlea Chapman (Clarinet) started preparing for the solo festival. The students were given a solo piece of music for their instrument and worked on the music with their band teachers JoCatherine Rogers and Aaron Edwards. These students also were required to perform with piano accompaniment, provided by Barbera Duncan. 

On the day of the festival the students traveled to Washburn very excited and a little nervous for the event. They Warmed up in the music department's practice rooms and then played for three judges. These judges provided verbal and written feedback on how they played the solo and what they needed to do to improve. The students also received number ratings with 1 being the highest and 5 being lowest. Ashlea earned a 1-, Joy a 2 and Sophie a 2+.

"This was a great opportunity for our young musicians to share their talents and get some positive criticism for improvement. It was a very positive experience." said Mrs. Rogers.

USD 409 Website  --  AHS Bands Website