McNeese Hosts District Honor Band

McNeese State University recently hosted students from 19 middle schools and 14 high schools from across the five-parish area for the District V Honor Band Clinic and Concert.

This gathering represents the most accomplished students in the school district chosen for Honor Band by competitive auditions. The Band meets for two days of intensive rehearsals under the direction of guest clinicians, and then holds a final concert free for the public in F.G. Bulber Auditorium.

This year’s guest clinicians and conductors were Rebecca McMillen, elementary and junior high band teacher at Orange-Cove ISD; Glynn Dagenhardt, retired band teacher at Houma Jr. High; Tami Goss, director of bands for the Bridge City Independent School District; and music teacher and composer Fred J. Allen.

Hundreds of family, friends and community members were in attendance to watch the concert.

“These students represent the finest players in Southwest Louisiana,” says Lonnie Benoit, McNeese director of bands. “It is an honor for McNeese to host this event. It’s a great opportunity for students to show off their talents, and for the university to demonstrate what makes McNeese first choice for so many talented musicians.”