The annual Middle Schools Honors Band/Students in Concert Festival took place on March 8, at 7 p.m., in the Ben Franklin Middle School Auditorium. Students were busy rehearsing on Thursday and Friday.
“This ensemble is composed of BTSD’s finest musicians from 6-8th grade, most who participated in the “Students in Concert” (SIC) initiative, with the addition of others, selected by their teacher,” said Chris Gerhart, Franklin’s band director. “We are proud of all of the students here today for their hard work and growth throughout this school year.”
The concert featured guest conductor and well-published composer Dr. Scott Watson. After retiring from public school education, he joined the staff at Cairn University as an associate professor of music, and has published more than 100 pieces for band and strings.
During the concert, Dr. Watson premiered a new arrangement of “Amazing Grace.” Scheduled to be published over the summer, the song will include “BTSD Middle School Honors Band” in the recognition line under the title.
“This a first for us, so all the students and staff are very excited,” said Gerhart.