Sequoia student plays in state honor symphonic band
Ryan Rusch, an eighth grade student at Sequoia Middle School, participated in the California State Music Educator’s Conference (CASMEC), in San Jose, Feb. 16-19.
CASMEC is held annually in February. The conference is a joint venture between the California Band Director’s Association (CBDA), California Orchestra Director’s Association (CODA), California Alliance for Jazz (CAJ), and the American Choral Director’s Association (ACDA).
Educators from the entire state of California attend many clinics focused on different aspects of teaching music as well as performances by exemplary Middle and High School ensembles. Additionally, the conference serves as host to the All-state Honor ensembles. Middle School and High School students submit auditions in December for the chance to perform in one of the ensembles. Ensembles are conducted by some of the finest conductors in the profession.
Ryan Rusch from Porterville, was selected amongst 2,400 student applications to play in the California All-state Junior High School Honor Symphonic Band. This represents the best Middle School musicians the state of California has to offer.
Rusch spent four days meeting new friends, rehearsing for up to eight hours a day, and working with conductor Michael Boitz, director of Bands at Saratoga High School. Students played a selection of music determined by the conductor and rehearsed for two full days before performing their concert on Sunday, Feb. 19. Richard Madrigal, music band director at Sequoia Middle School was in attendance at the conference.
“Ryan, as well as the rest of the ensemble, played a wonderful concert. I hope that this will be a memory that will live on within him for years to come,” said Madrigal.
Rusch credits his teacher, world renowned flutist Tracy Harris from Exeter, and Madrigal his band teacher for this once in a lifetime opportunity.