SSHS students return to All-Star Ensemble

MISSOULA - Each year, the University of Montana hosts the All-Star Silver and Maroon Wind Ensemble, a musical experience for high school students participating in band and orchestra. This year, Music Directory Bob Green nominated Seeley-Swan High School junior Jayla Kauffman and senior Jared Townsend. High school students from the western side of the country and parts of Canada are chosen to attend the ensemble each year.

Green nominated Kauffman and Townsend because he said they are both outstanding students and the oldest in the band this year.

"It is a wonderful opportunity for students from a small school like ours to perform with a large advanced group like this while at the same time meeting new friends from throughout the Northwest with similar interests," said Green.

Kauffman and Townsend have participated before. Each time they attended, they bring back worthwhile experience and memories, including long rehearsal hours, playing with other talented artists and learning how to dial in the tone on their instruments.

Kauffman is a trombone player. This was the third time she has been nominated in her high school career. In the previous years, she took part in the Silver Band, however, this year she played in the Maroon band. The Silver band was conducted by the University of Montana's Director of Bands and Trumpet Dr. James Smart, and the Maroon band was conducted by Johan de Meij, a guest composer and conductor.

"It's nice, every once in a while, to be able to play with a larger band because our school has a very small band," Kauffman said as she explained how the ensemble affects her every year.

Townsend participated last year and enjoyed this year's ensemble just as much as last year's. He played in the Silver band.

"It was a very positive experience," said Townsend. "It's always good to get out there and socialize with other talented musicians, especially when you're pursuing a field of music; you can get a feel for a larger band that way."

Both students were very grateful for the opportunity to be able to go on the trip, and appreciated the chance the SSHS and University of Montana gave them.