On January 17-18, 2025, five Oscoda band students traveled to Alpena to participate in MSBOA District 9 All-Star Band. These students were selected based on a recorded audition which they submitted to the band directors of MSBOA District 9. Participants rehearsed on Friday, January 17 from 4:45 - 9:00 p.m. and on Saturday, January 18 from 9:00 a.m. - 12 noon before presenting a concert on Saturday afternoon at 2:00 in the Alpena High School auditorium.
The Junior All-Star Band was composed of students in grades 7-9 from fifteen area schools and was directed by Cynthia Swan-Eagan. This band performed “Manchester March” by John Edmondson, “Byzantine Dances” by Carol Brittin Chambers, “Carpathia” by William Owens, “Defying Gravity” by Stephen Schwartz and arranged by Michael Sweeney, “Medallion Overture” by William Himes and “Pirates Cove” by Gene Milford.
The Senior All-Star Band was composed of students in grades 9-12 from fifteen area schools and was directed by Michael Eagan. This band performed “Cheerio March” by Edwin Franko Goldman and arranged by Johnnie Vinson, the African-American Spiritual “Deep River” arranged by John Moss, “The Footlifter” by Henry Fillmore and arranged by Robert E. Foster, “Highlights from the Music Man” by Meredith Wilson and arranged by Alfred Reed, and “Shadow of the Condor” by Frank Erickson.
Oscoda All-Stars were Emma Clarke (7), flute; Maci McDougall (8), clarinet; Alexander Clarke (10), trumpet; Joshua Mcdonald (12), baritone saxophone and Ella Opperman (12), trombone.
Karen R. Lopez, MA of Music Education
Band and Choir Director
Oscoda Area Schools