VIERA HIGH SCHOOL WIND
ENSEMBLE TO PERFORM at
National Event
The Viera High School Wind Ensemble
is headed to Indianapolis!
The 60 students who make up the musical group will
join other high school and middle school concert
bands, choirs, chamber ensembles, orchestras and
percussion ensembles at the Music for All National
Concert Band Festival, presented by Yamaha, March
12-14, 2020.
Stan Schoonover, a coordinator from Music for All,
visited Viera High School in October to officially
invite the woodwind ensemble to the prestigious
event.
The non-competitive atmosphere of the festival
provides a place for growth, cooperative
encouragement among music programs, students,
parents, boosters and administrators.
Music for All’s concert events are recognized as the
pinnacle of educational programming for high school
and middle school instrumental music programs
nationwide. Music for All reaches more than 300,000
people through these events, with more than 85,000
teens participating annually.
Schoonover said that in the absence of a required repertoire,
directors select their own programs for the event.
“There are no ratings or
rankings so directors and
their ensembles are free
to stretch themselves,
reach for new heights,
and strive for innovation,
growth and excellence,
instead of focusing on
a rating or placing,” he
said.
Festival participants
experience an
atmosphere of mutual
respect for their peers
while enjoying concerts
from other outstanding
ensembles.
Bands also are mentored
by selected musicians
and music professionals
in private master
classes, giving them
valuable insight on their
performances. Students
will receive a recording
of the entire event
featuring performances
by all 37 bands and
orchestras, over 20
ensembles, 10 percussion
groups, and 14 choirs.
The recording also will
feature performances
by the Honor Band
of America, Honor
Orchestra, and the
Honor Jazz Ensemble of
America.
Viera High School’s
Band Director Dominick
(Nick) Eggen said
the band is proud to
represent Brevard
County. The band
launched a fundraising
campaign with help from
parents and the board to
offset the cost of the trip
to Indiana.
“Our school has
great partners in the
community who I’m sure
will want to be part of
the effort,” Eggen said.
EVERYTHING education
Help Them Get There
WHO: Viera Hawks Wind Ensemble
WHAT: 202 Music for All National
Concert Band Festival
WHEN: March 12-15, 2020
WHERE: Butler University, Indianapolis, Indiana
WHY: An impactful educational opportunity
HOW: With generous support from
family, friends, and community. The
estimated cost per student is $1,600.
Any individual or organization interested
in supporting these students can contact
Sylvie Fortier at HawksGoNational@
gmail.com or 321-987-3690.
B Y S T E V E N R . H I C K S , E D . D .
Photo by
Steven Hicks
056 // EVERYTHINGBREVARD.com
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