by Ellie Boyer, reporter

FAIRHOPE, Ala. – On January 19 at 7 p.m., the Wind Ensemble performed at the Daphne Trojan Hall for friends and family. The concert was originally meant for the Alabama Music Educators Association (AMEA); however, the performance was canceled due to weather. 

Every year, AMEA chooses three Alabama high schools to perform in Huntsville.

“Having the ability to perform at AMEA is such an honor and an amazing opportunity for Wind Ensemble members,” said Abigail Turner, sophomore. 

Schools need to submit their audition recording to perform for AMEA, but are only picked once every four years.

“The audition process was so delicate that Meredyth Petersen didn’t even tell her students that she was submitting the recording until after our school was chosen,” said Makiya Beyer, sophomore. 

Members of Wind Ensemble spent hours rehearsing for the performance.

“I would go home each and every day to spend at least 20 minutes practicing and paying attention to the little details that brought emotion to the music,” Beyer said. “I gave even that smallest part great attention to bring the performance from being good to being great.” 

Some members put hours into practice and others 10 minutes, but everyone came together and worked hard to perfect this performance.

“It became a habit to practice whenever I have extra free time,” Turner said. “I’ve spent many long hours by myself working on the music.” 

Beyer wanted to find a way to grow her love of music while challenging herself. 

“I wanted to stretch myself as a musician as well as grow as a percussionist,” Beyer said. “I knew that balancing school, extracurriculars and band would be difficult, but the experience in general would make it immensely worth it.” 

The Wind Ensemble will compete  at Baker High School with new pieces for the Music Performance Assessment (MPA) between March 5 through 8.