Talented young musicians from across eastern Utah were in Vernal over
the weekend
putting in hard work to make great music together. The 1st Annual Eastern Utah Honors Ensembles Festival welcomed select band and orchestra members from Altamont, Union, Grand County, and Uintah High Schools as well as Uintah and Vernal Middle Schools. The students came together to form two ensembles that learned from experienced conductors; Allen Allred directed
the orchestra
and Dr. Rhonda Rhodes directed the band. “Those of us who helped organize it felt it went well,” shares Uintah Bands Director Brian Gibson. “The kids rehearsed all day Friday and
Saturday morning
, then presented a concert
Saturday at 3pm
.” To the dedicated students involved, the many hours of practice were just part of the fun. Student Paige Wardle participated in a similar event held last year in Altamont and had such a great time she was excited for this weekend. “My favorite parts,” shares Paige, “have to be spending two whole days with my band friends and getting to play a solo on my piccolo. I thoroughly enjoyed myself!” The community attended Saturday’s concert at the Uintah Conference Center and were impressed by all that was accomplished in just two days.
