Wendland and Pew to Perform in State Festival Band

Milbank Middle School students Rylan Wendland (3rd chair percussionist) and Tate Pew (8th chair trumpet) have been named to South Dakota’s Festival Band. The two were chosen from 598 auditions representing 75 schools throughout the state. The Festival Band is part of the South Dakota Music Education Association’s 25th Annual South Dakota Middle School All-State Band that will perform on March 2 at 3 p.m. in the Mitchell High School Performing Arts Center.

The concert will feature two bands with over 200 sixth through eighth graders from across the state, The bands will be under the direction of Mr. Randall Standridge and Dr. Larry Petersen. Susan Karels (Grades 6-12 Band) will accompany the students to the event.

Admission to the concert is $5 and is open to the public. Students 18 and under are free. Tickets will be available for purchase at the door the afternoon of the concert.

The mission of the National Association for Music Education is to advance music education by promoting the understanding and making of music by all. SDMEA is a state affiliate of the National Association for Music Education. With over 400 members, SDMEA is the largest association of instructional musicians in the state catering to the needs of band, choral, general music and orchestral teachers.

Submitted Photo: Rylan Wendland and Tate Pew