This article has been reposted due to a server error which deleted the original post
By JESSALYN KIRCHHOFF
Tiger Media Network
The Fort Hays State University Wind Ensemble will be leaving Hays later this afternoon to travel to Wichita, where they will be performing for the Kansas Music Educators Association (KMEA) on Thursday. The concert will be at 8:00 pm at the Century II Performing Arts & Convention Center.
Sydney Myers, a senior majoring in Music Education and Minoring in Psychology, plays the First Clarinet in the FHSU Wind Ensemble. Myers speaks on how the FHSU Wind Ensemble, roughly 40 musicians with different majors, was selected from ensembles around the state that were eligible to send in recordings for an opportunity to play at the KMEA Inservice Workshop.
“The recordings are sent to a panel and then selected to perform at the workshop. There will also be many other schools and universities from across different levels performing at the workshop, all the way from high school to college,” Myers said. “They also have All-State Honor Ensembles that high school students can audition for and be a part of, which perform at the end of the conference.”
Myers goes on to reveal what the FHSU Wind Ensemble will be performing on Thursday.
“At KMEA, we will be performing ‘Full Restoration’ by Onsby Rose, ‘Peace Dancer’ by Jodie Blacksaw, ‘Enchanted Light from Concerto for Vibraphone’ by Nathan Daughtrey and ‘A Mother of a Revolution’ by Omar Thomas,” she said.
“Enchanted Light” will feature Assistant Director of Bands and Director of Percussion at FHSU, Ryan Pearson.
Alongside the performance by the FHSU Wind Ensemble, there are multiple events that are held throughout the weekend at the Kansas Music Educators Inservice Workshop that takes place annually in February.
“Future and current teachers are able to attend workshops and there are concerts to attend throughout the weekend from different performing groups as well as the exhibition hall where attendees can purchase items from different vendors and also talk to colleges about what they have to offer,” Myers said.
Myers continues by saying that she always enjoys going to KMEA every year as it allows her to learn from other educators as well as see some of her former music teachers.
“Overall, this conference is a chance for everyone to collaborate with other musicians and teachers from around the state and to gather inspiration from other educators,” she said.
Chelsie Rose, a sophomore majoring in Accounting and Finance with a Concentration in Financial Planning, plays the Third Clarinet in the FHSU Wind Ensemble said KMEA is a great opportunity.
“I believe that the main purpose of KMEA is for teachers and students alike to share music and teaching skills across the state of Kansas,” Rose said. “It is a great opportunity for musicians to all come together and share our passion with each other.”
Rose, excited for the occasion, has experienced the conference before.
“This is my second time performing at KMEA, once as a senior in high school in a select choir ensemble, and now as a member of the FHSU Wind Ensemble,” she said.
Myers is also not new to the KMEA stage. She has performed at KMEA since 2018, auditioning for the All-State Honor Band when she was in High School and participating as a member for three years. Additionally, Myers also had the opportunity to perform at the conference with the FHSU Jazz Ensemble and now the FHSU Wind Ensemble.
Further, Myers auditioned and was selected to perform in the Kansas Intercollegiate Band.
“This is an auditioned group of college musicians that come together and perform a concert during the conference,” she said. “Four members of the Wind Ensemble were selected to be a part of this group and we will perform Friday at 2:45 pm in the Century II Concert Hall.”
Admission to KMEA concerts is free and open to the public. Guests can expect to experience a variety of music styles and genres from all performing groups as well as see some really talented students and teachers from around the state.
Rose looks back on the preparation for KMEA as one of the most memorable experiences within her FHSU Bands career and urges potential students to join.
“I have thoroughly enjoyed all of the hard work and the many rehearsals the ensemble has had to get ready for this once-in-a-lifetime experience that not many are fortunate enough to experience, especially for those that come from Western Kansas,” she said. “Potential students should join if they enjoy making music and the FHSU Wind Ensemble is a perfect opportunity to play with other people who enjoy making music.”
Myers agrees with Rose saying her most memorable experience with the FHSU Wind Ensemble has been making music with her best friends.
“I have always loved music and you really create a bond with everyone in the ensemble. We all look out for each other and support one another and at the end of the day, create beautiful music together as an ensemble,” she said. “I have met so many amazing people throughout my time in this ensemble and I can’t wait to show everyone what we have been working on when we step on stage at KMEA.”
Myers encourages anyone that is interested to join.
“Future students should consider joining the Wind Ensemble because you have the opportunity to play interesting and challenging music and also become friends with amazing people,” she said. “The music department is so welcoming and I am so glad I decided to continue music in college.”