On Feb. 23-24, 2024, students throughout the region, from South Dakota, North Dakota, Minnesota, Iowa and Nebraska, will gather to participate in the fourth annual SDSU Honor Band Festival. The process in which students are chosen to participate in this festival is quite extensive.  First, each student is nominated by their band director. Then, the student prepares a solo or etude and two scales for a recorded audition, which are then judged by professors or professionals in their instrument.  The directors and students are then notified of their acceptance into one of two ensembles or the alternate list if they make it. 

This year, there was a record-shattering number of auditions that demonstrated exceptionally strong performance ability which made decisions difficult.  Between Sanborn County’s two schools, six students auditioned on flute, clarinet, trumpet, bari sax, and trombone. Temperance Salathe, from Sanborn Central, was selected to the SDSU Festival Band on Bb clarinet, and Camden Rassel, from Woonsocket, was selected as an alternate on trombone for the SDSU Festival Band.  

Some of the highlights of the festival include: 

• The opportunity to rehearse and perform in SDSU’s newly expanded Oscar Larson Performing Arts Center;

• Workshops and masterclasses with the faculty of the School of Performing Arts;

• A side-by-side performance with members of the SDSU Wind Symphony; and

• The chance to make music with the most talented student musicians from a multi-state radius.

“I am very proud of all my students who auditioned for this awesome opportunity.  I am especially excited for Temperance to have this experience,” says Mrs. Karlen.

Temperance says, “I honestly didn’t think I would make it, until  I made it.  I’m thankful for Mrs. Karlen giving me the encouragement to audition.”

…See a picture in this week’s issue of the Sanborn Weekly Journal!