15 VWHS students in district bands

Fifteen band students from Van Wert High School performed in the Ohio Music Education Association District III High School Honors Festival Concert on January 15 at the Niswonger Performing Arts Center.

Following auditions in November, 12 Van Wert students were selected from throughout northwest Ohio for the 88-member concert band. Students performed under the direction of Major R. Michael Mench, conductor of the United States Air Force Band of Flight.

Four Van Wert students were selected for the 20-member jazz ensemble under the direction of David B. Sycks of Bluffton High School and John Stetler of Elida High School. A piece was commissioned for the 2011 Jazz Ensemble entitled Sabados En La Rumba. The composer, John Lake, introduced the piece and performed on trumpet with the ensemble. Lake is a 2002 graduate of Celina High School and currently resides in Boulder, Colo.

Concert band personnel included: Courtney Van Horne, oboe; Sarah Aurand, clarinet; Ashley Knittle, clarinet;  Katie Arn, bass clarinet; Grace Mitchener, alto saxophone; Scott Turner, trumpet; Jenelle Sperry, trumpet; Lexi Billingham, trumpet; Jacob Hoverman, trumpet; Robbie Trittschuh, trombone; Ben Price, percussion; and Alex Bair, percussion.

Jazz ensemble members included: Daniel Bashore, piano; Matt Saunier, trumpet, Daniel Thompson, trombone; and Robbie Trittschuh, trombone.