USD Honor Band

February 08, 2024

By Skylar Scholting

Several students from Pierce were selected to play in the USD (University of South Dakota) honor band, including Mya Johnson, Kaylee Steffen, Trayton Christiansen, Tate Reinke, Spencer Sindt, and Payton Ebmeier. 

The group, along with Pierce band director Michael Sindt, drove to Vermillion, South Dakota, early February 2, to attend the welcome meeting and meet the band directors. Dr. Bethany Amudson conducted the symphonic band and James Stueckrath conducted the concert band. Students then completed three two-hour rehearsals during day one of the honor band. The students were also able to work one-on-one with experienced musicians in workshops.

The USD honor band is highly selective, and as with any honor band, students had to record, audition and submit music. Any selected students were split into two groups: the symphonic band, the top band, and the concert band. 

Johnson mentions, “One of the best parts about going to USD was working with the instructors and directors. They were all so passionate about their work, and it showed through the students they were directing. In my opinion, it was one of the best honor bands I've ever been a part of.”

On day two of the honor band, the students headed back to USD so each person could meet with someone who specializes in that section’s instrument. The bands then reassembled for more rehearsals. 

Later that evening, the concert band performed their songs: “Fanfare for the Unsung Heroes, Overture Internationalé”, “In Tantum Lux,” and “Amparito Roca.” Shortly after, the symphonic band performed their songs: “Ignition,” “Fragile,” “Concerto for Three Brass and Band” (world premiere), “Jitterbug!,” and “High School Cadets.”

Reinke, a senior, states, “We rehearsed over two days and got to experience a masterclass for our respective instruments, which is something that I've never done. The two-day format was also nice because we weren't as rushed to get the music down.”