Wayne State College music majors Dalton Hazel and Josie Mikoloyck recently returned from Fort Worth, Texas, where they performed with the National Small Band Program’s Intercollegiate Band.
The ensemble took place from March 26-29 and was part of the National Conference of the College Band Directors National Association (CBDNA). It featured 124 musicians from small college programs across the country.
Designed for students from institutions with fewer than 5,000 students or developing music programs, the Intercollegiate Band provides a unique opportunity to perform in a high-level ensemble under the direction of renowned conductors. The event included rehearsals and a final concert showcasing the students’ technical and artistic abilities.
Hazel and Mikoloyck were nominated for the honor band by Josh Calkin, the director of bands at WSC, based on their musical ability, dedication and character. The CBDNA board selected candidates through a review process, followed by recorded auditions to determine chair placements within the ensemble.
For Dalton Hazel, who played tuba in the ensemble, the experience was both challenging and rewarding.
“My experience at the national level was unforgettable,” Hazel said. “We were playing music on a difficult scale and sounding very uniform. Having this opportunity really helped me become an even better musician.”
The event also provided valuable professional development and networking opportunities.
“Personally, I will grow as a musician and as a future educator because of this experience,” Hazel said. “I am so honored that I got to represent Wayne and our Department of Music on a national level and an international level, with some of the bandmates being from out of the country.”
In addition to rehearsals and performances, Hazel had the chance to experience performances by elite ensembles.
“While we were there, I was able to listen to some elite musicians. I got the chance to listen to the TCU Wind Ensemble, University of North Texas Wind Ensemble, and the Longhorn Wind Ensemble. Each of these groups is world-class and has outstanding accomplishments,” Hazel said.
Now back on campus, Hazel is using the inspiration and skills acquired during the conference into their academic and performance life.
