More than 100 AAPS students selected for All-State Band and Orchestra

Students will perform Jan. 29 in Grand Rapids, attend annual conference & performance

By Jo Mathis / AAPS Editor

One hundred and two students from Ann Arbor Public School have been selected for the Michigan School Band and Orchestra Association’s All-State Bands and Orchestra 17th annual all-state music conference.

This event is held in conjunction with the Michigan Music Conference in Grand Rapids in late January and brings together outstanding band and orchestra students in grades 7-12 from across the state of Michigan.

The MSBOA All-State program was established in 2005. Five ensembles are selected from recorded auditions: a Middle School String Orchestra, a Middle School Band, a High School Full Orchestra, a High School Band and a High School Jazz Ensemble.

Students must prepare an announced etude, a series of scales, and sight-read during each 10-minute recorded audition. Each audition is submitted using only an identification number with no reference to the student or school. The auditions are evaluated by an adjudicator and placed in order. The required number of instruments is selected to fill each section. An average of over 2,000 students audition each year for the 400 seats in our five ensembles.

In January the students will assemble for two and a half days of rehearsal with nationally recognized conductors. All rehearsals and the performance on Jan. 29 will be in the DeVos Performance Hall and will be open to registered convention attendees.

In addition, the students selected for this honor will have access to the conference including exhibits and concerts.

Click here for a list of the 2021-2022 All-State Ensembles as well as honorable mentions.