Nine music students from East Central University were selected for the 2011 Oklahoma Intercollegiate Honor Band which performed as part of the Oklahoma Music Educators Association convention recently in Tulsa.
East Central University students who performed in the Oklahoma Intercollegiate Honor Band are Rebekah Unruh (front row, from left), Ashley Branscum, Kelsey Creed, Kayla Franco, Nathaniel Sheeley, Justin Cody and (back row) Adam Mount, ECU Band Director Allen Correll, Cody Rowe and Derek Akers.
Representing ECU were Ashley Branscum of Checotah and Rebekah Unruh of Ardmore on flute, Kayla Franco and Nathaniel Sheeley of Owasso on clarinet, Derek Akers of Sulphur on French horn, Justin Cody of Tecumseh on euphonium, Cody Rowe of Putnam City on tuba, and Kelsey Creed of Ada and Adam Mount of Beggs on percussion.
The OIHB is a significant opportunity for ECU students to interact with other music students from around the state. The band includes more than 100 members from 18 Oklahoma colleges and universities. Students are selected based on directors’ recommendations and must then audition for placement within their respective sections. The students rehearse together for two days before performing a difficult program.
Each year, a different renowned conductor is invited to conduct the ensemble. Conducting this year's honor band was Michael Haithcock, director of bands for the University of Michigan.
# # #