For the first time, a student from Armstrong Middle School will be a part of the Mississippi All-State Middle School Honor Band this summer.
Armstrong eighth-grader Amy Zhang, 14, learned Friday she had been selected as a flutist for the ensemble, which will meet at Pearl River Community College from May 30 to June 2. Zhang has played flute for four years, and this is her first year in the AMS Band. In addition to the flute, Zhang plays violin, piano and tenor saxophone.
“I had to record an audition, and the band teachers sent it to the camp,” Zhang said. “I had to learn two short pieces of music and play some scales.”
Zhang said she looked forward to performing in the ensemble.
“I’ve been doing musical things since I was young, and I like that when you play a piece of music and you do it well, you get a sense of satisfaction,” Zhang said.
Armstrong Band Director Kathy Baker explained the process of getting into the All-State Band. She said students were recorded playing the audition repertoire. The performances were then judged, and selections made. The band will include students from across Mississippi.
“It’s a very big honor,” Baker said. “Students from across the state audition for this.”
Baker also spoke highly of Zhang’s performance in band, and said she had only recently gotten to know her.
“She’s a wonderful student, very dedicated, very musically talented, very focused in class and does very well,” Baker said. “Whenever she first came here, she asked if there were honor bands and things that she could try out for. She definitely is a high-achieving young lady.”
Zhang also said her private lesson teacher, Mississippi State University instructor of flute Jessica Banks had helped her reach the level she needed to get into the All-State Band. She said she hoped to continue playing through high school, but was not sure she wanted to study music in college.
“I’m looking forward to learning new pieces of music, maybe more challenging pieces of music, and being able to work with this select band,” Zhang said.
The AMS Band will cover Zhang’s tuition and fees for All-State.
“It’s a wonderful feeling,” Baker said. “I love it when students work hard and it pays off. It definitely has for her”
Approximately 275 students participate in band at Armstrong. The students are spread across two sixth grade beginning band classes and one seventh and eighth grade band