Three high school groups chosen to perform at Missouri Music Educators Conference

Performing a concert for your parents is one thing, but playing in front of a crowd of musical experts demands perfection.

"This is 100-plus music teachers staring at you," said Christopher Bonner, a senior at Jackson High School.

Bonner is a member of the high school's percussion ensemble, one of three area music groups chosen to perform at the Missouri Music Educators Conference later this month.

In May, high schools throughout the state sent in audition tapes. About 25 were chosen by an out-of-state committee. During the four-day conference, they will share the stage with universities and high schools from around Missouri. Once an ensemble is chosen to perform at the conference, it cannot audition for four years.

This year, Southeast Missouri will have a bigger representation than in the past. Jackson High School will also send its jazz ensemble and Cape Girardeau Central High School will send its concert band.

"It's a big deal [that] we have three going," said Chris Crawford, director of the Jackson percussion ensemble.

The three groups will come together Monday for a free preview of the conference performances at 6:30 p.m. at Bedell Performance Hall.

It is also rare, Crawford said, to have two groups chosen from the same school. Two other districts, Ladue in St. Louis and Nixa south of Springfield, will also send two ensembles this year.

But being chosen also means higher performance expectations, he said.

"I know when I'm in the audience, I'm expecting a flawless performance," Crawford said.

In the past, Jackson's high school choir and wind symphony have also performed at the event.

Trevor Smith, who plays alto saxophone, is one of several area students who will also be performing with all-state ensembles. He will balance his time between the jazz ensemble and the All-State Band during the conference.

"I'm just going to hang onto my seat and play every day," said Smith, a senior.

At Central, there was little transition from marching band season into preparations for the conference performance.

"I got to put my sousaphone away and get out a tuba," said Michael Limbaugh, a senior.

The group, about 60 students, has been practicing after school since October, said director Neil Casey. There were also several rehearsals during Christmas break.

Rachel Bagot, a senior playing alto saxophone, said the music chosen for the performance is also more difficult. She said she puts in time at home to prepare.

"These, you have to take home," she said.

The last time a Central ensemble performed at the conference was the choir in 1985, Casey said. All of the ensembles represented at the conference will be at their peak, he said.

"That is the most musically knowledgeable audience we would play in front of," Casey said.

The Missouri Music Educators Association Conference starts Jan. 27 at Tan-Tar-A Resort.

abusch@semissourian.com

388-3726

Pertinent address:

315 S. Missouri St. Jackson, MO

1000 S. Silver Springs Road Cape Girardeau, MO