Senior Lakiera Bailey practices a scale in band class on Sept. 30 in preparation for All-State Band auditions on Dec. 13. “I’ve been practicing the scales since early July. I feel like I’m more prepared this year,” Bailey said.
By ZOE PETERSON – Staff Writer
The addition of a district by the Georgia Music Educator’s Association for the 2014-15 school year changes the game for Clarke County School District musicians.
The first round of auditions for the Georgia All-State Band, a statewide honor group, are set to take place on Dec. 13 at Habersham Central High School in Mount Airy, Ga.
High school students from across Georgia will come to compete for their chance at a spot in the band, including Clarke Central High School senior Lakiera Bailey.
“I’m really excited. We’ve been practicing a lot,” Bailey said. “I feel like I’m more prepared this year.”
There will be a few changes to All-State this year, including Clarke County’s move to District 14. This new competition district was created by the Georgia Music Educator’s Association, in order to more evenly distribute the band students between counties.
Previously, Clarke County was in District 13, which included Gwinnett County. There are 63 bands in Gwinnett County compared to Clarke County’s two. With a limited number of spots available per district in the All-State Band, having this many participants made competition tough. Beginning in the 2014-15 school year, District 13 now covers only Gwinnett County.
“This year is going to be new because we’re going to an entirely new district,” director of bands Dr. Robert Lawrence said. “All of us are in a new district because there were so many (bands) in Gwinnett County.”
With the development of the new District 14, CCHS students are hopeful for more opportunities at moving on in competition.
“I’m excited because there are a lot of flute players in Georgia, so it’s a better chance,” Bailey said. “I hope more people can make it (to All-State) and I hope more people get excited about trying out next year.”
Lawrence also says that the new district will boost students’ confidence and provide them with a change of scenery when competing.
“I believe that our students will have a different mindset about this new district,” Lawrence said. “District 14 is altogether different and everybody’s trying to make everyone else feel at home.”
