Clarinet player Ellen Bouchard's musical talents extend beyond the NCS band. She has enjoyed playing at the District Band level since 9th grade and has now earned a position in the All Virginia Band.
Every year, the top seven District players of each instrument are eligible to audition for the All Virginia Band. These auditions are held at James Madison University on the last weekend in February. The top scoring students on each instrument are selected to perform in the All Virginia Band festival held each year in April. This year Ellen, along with 240 clarinet players from around the state, competed for 72 coveted spots at the state level. Ellen placed 39th.
"It is quite an honor for any student to win a position in the All Virginia Band. What is so neat about Ellen winning a position as a junior is that she excels not only as a musician, but also as an artist, equestrian and an honor student," remarked Wendell Banyay, NCS band director.
During the festival, students practice Thursday afternoon, all day Friday and Saturday morning with their guest conductor. This year’s guest conductor is Richard Floyd form the University of Texas. The capstone of the event is a concert held Saturday afternoon.
Congratulations Ellen!