NMSU Summer Youth Wind Ensemble held for second year

Date: 06/29/2009
Writer: Donyelle Kesler, 575-646-6233, dkesler@nmsu.edu
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New Mexico State University's second annual Summer Youth Wind Ensemble camp was held June 24-27, providing 80 area high school students with instruction on wind instruments and student leadership sessions.

Onate High School students James Blanchard and Katie Kendall were among 80 students to participate in the Summer Youth Wind Ensemble camp held June 24-27, in the Music Center on the NMSU campus. (NMSU photo by Harrison Brooks)

The day camp began with auditions and rehearsal on Wednesday, June 24 and concluded with a concert on Saturday, June 27, at Atkinson Recital Hall. Students participated in the highest level of wind ensemble literature and had the opportunity to meet other high school musicians from around the state.

"We had some of the best high school musicians attend, including those in the Southwest Honor band and All-State who could attend the camp for free," said Monty Hill, NMSU associate director of bands.

Hill, along with professor William Clark, led the students through wind ensemble rehearsals, sectional practices and evening activities.

Evening activities included bowling on Thursday night and a motivational speech with the associate director of band at Murray State University John Fannin on Friday.

Saturday's performance featured music the students had worked on and prepared throughout the week.