Ronan School District hosts band festival
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RONAN — High school students from Noxon, Thompson Falls, Plains, St. Regis, Superior, Charlo and Ronan came together on Tuesday, Nov. 14, for a meeting of the bands to produce an evening of music together.
Derek Larson, music teacher for St. Regis who conducted during the event, said student musicians have been working hard for over a month to prepare to play together.
“We sent out the music a month and a half ago so that all the other directors could get their kids ready, and then, we met today and practiced for five hours,” he said.
Larson directed the combined bands as students played instruments ranging from flutes to trumpets.
“Tonight’s event was excellent,” he said, adding that the group was so well prepared they finished practice an hour earlier than expected.
After the concert, Ronan band director Alicia Lipscomb came on stage to thank everyone for attending. “We appreciate you making it out tonight, and we hope you enjoyed the music all the kids had to offer,” she said. The audience clapped in response.
While helping student musicians to wrap up after the event, Lipscomb spoke about the history of the festival. “I have been hosting this for the last 13 years,” she said, adding that her goal has been to share the combined ensemble experience with smaller schools, which is why schools from as far as Noxon are invited.
“I hope we have a bigger audience in the next coming year so more people can hear how great these kids play,” she said.
Student Jasmin Hakes who performed at the event said: “My biggest challenge was really just balancing getting ready for this event and going to the FFA nationals.”
“This is definitely a good experience,” she added, “It teaches a lot of personal skills on top of musical skills.”
