Linda Payne

lpayne@newstopic.net

Some of Caldwell County's finest musicians will take the stage today for the seventh annual All-County band concert.

Scheduled for 2:30 p.m. at the J.E. Broyhill Civic Center, the program will feature the talents of approximately 160 students. Area band directors said the students auditioned for their spot, and they spent all day Friday and a portion of Saturday rehearsing with guest conductors.

"This is the seventh year we have offered this to our students, and I think it is a real unique opportunity," said Kevin Townsend, Hibriten High School band director. "These students are playing alongside other musicians who share the same passion for music as they do. My hope is that these students will share their enthusiasm with their schools so that every program grows."

Townsend said approximately 80 high school students from around the county have worked with Phillip Riggs, a former student teacher in Caldwell County and director at the North Carolina School of Science and Math. They will perform a program that not only entertains, but also pushes the students to new heights.

Jason Childers, South Caldwell High School band director, said the concert will feature a guest performance by former South Caldwell student Dr. David Kirby, and it will pay tribute to a Caldwell County musician who recently was inducted to the North Carolina Bandmasters Association Hall of Fame.

"There are some really special ties to Caldwell County during this performance, and I think the audience will enjoy it," Childers said. "These students have accomplished as much this weekend as we normally would over several weeks in the classroom setting. It is just exciting to watch these students in action."

At the middle school level, nearly 80 students have had the opportunity to work with Carla Draughn, band director at Liberty Middle School in Burke County. They have worked hard to piece together a performance that will highlight their many talents, and Granite Falls Middle School Band Director Sarah Bean said these students are very excited.

"This is a brand new experience for most of these students, and I think it is a real treat for them," Bean said. "They have the opportunity to learn from someone with a different style and to meet others who play the same instrument they do. I think this is a wonderful opportunity for all of our students, and I am excited to see them perform."

Tickets for the concert are $2 and are available at the Civic Center. Parents and community members will have the opportunity to purchase a recording of the performance for $10.