More than 300 students from grades 6-12 flocked to the Wayne State campus for the Festival of Honor Bands on Saturday. Students were chosen through a very selective process after sending in audition tapes last November.

Each of the three bands, the Junior High Band, the Symphonic Band and the Wind Ensemble, rehearsed all day before their concert at 4:30.

Check-in was around 7 a.m. that morning, and the students were broken into their bands to rehearse with their directors.

Conducting the Wind Ensemble was WSC’s Josh Calkin, low brass instructor. Also from Wayne State was Dr. Karl Kolbeck, woodwind instructor, who conducted the Symphonic Band. Chiyo Kamada, from Blair Community School, directed the Junior High Band.

Wayne State’s honorary band fraternity, Kappa Kappa Psi, helped
coordinate the event.

“It was a long, trying day,” Ben Bruflat, music major and Kappa member, said. “I’m glad we were able to help out and watch young musicians come together to create a great concert.”