The FHS Percussion Ensemble finished the 2023 year by playing a showcase concert at the 77th annual Midwest International Band and Orchestra Clinic in Chicago on December 22nd. The Midwest Clinic is the largest gathering of instrumental band and orchestra musicians in the world. It takes place at the McCormick Center in Chicago. To be asked to play at this event is a high honor and a once in a lifetime event for the members of the FHS Percussion Ensemble. Only 5 percussion ensembles were invited to play at this event, out of hundreds that applied and sent audition tapes.
The Forney High School Band under the leadership of Director of Bands, Cody Newman, ended its season as a State 5A Finalist, capturing the 4th place finish at the State UIL Competition at the Alamo Dome. The Percussion Ensemble helped with that 4th place finish by having the 3rd highest score among the top 10 percussion ensembles represented in the State UIL 5A Band Finals Competition.
An opportunity to play at the Midwest Clinic speaks to the high standard of excellence and dedication presented by Percussion Ensemble students under the direction of both High School Percussion Director Riley Warren and High School Percussion Specialist Shannon Jacobs. Over the years an environment of accomplished technical skill has been developed, allowing students to excel musically.
According to Director Warren, to be invited to perform at the Midwest Clinic is one of the “most prestigious accomplishments attainable by a high school percussion ensemble. The students spent thousands of hours to prepare on top of an already strenuous marching band schedule in the fall.”
The concert included 8 musical numbers. The ensemble was accompanied by guest soloist Tamalynn O’Grady on cello and Dr. Brian Zator on marimba. The concert closed with an arrangement of “The Christmas Song” arranged by Riley Warren.
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