Five Oberlin High School band students were selected to perform at Ohio-based bands this weekend, according to a news release.
Senior Grant Squires, freshman Maia Hoyle-Smith, freshman EJ Thomas and sophomore Toby Hopkins will perform in the Kent State High School All-Star Bands on Jan. 14, the release said.
Sophomore Grace Petzak will play with one of the Ohio State High School Honor Bands on Jan. 15.
“I am so proud of these students’ hard work, and their acceptance into these honor bands,” said Ryan Jaeckin, director of bands for the Oberlin City School District in the release.
The students tend to pour countless hours into individual practice, and their dedication to their craft and the honing of skills and technique improves the overall quality and culture of the band program at Oberlin City School District, Jaeckin said.
“These students set the example for what it means to be a part of the Oberlin Bands,” he said. “I want to especially thank their parents who support them and the program, and are willing to spend some money on gas mileage.”
It’s not just the band students and their parents who go above and beyond, according to the release.
Jaeckin takes pride in educating himself along the way to be a better director of bands for the school district, the release said.
Recently, Jaeckin attended the Midwest Clinic International Band and Orchestra Conference where he engaged with research-based sessions related to advocacy, classroom management, classroom climate and culture and instrumental techniques, according to the release.
Additionally, Jaeckin connected with leaders in the field from various universities and school band programs to discuss similar issues faced in band halls around the country, and how to best meet students where they are, the release said.
Jaeckin said he is grateful to have attended concerts from various premiere concert bands and wind ensembles around the world, including, Wheaton Municipal Band, Osaka Shion Wind Orchestra and three concerts from “The President’s Own” United States Marine Band.
He is especially appreciative to have witnessed the Marine Band’s Change of Command Ceremony between 28th director Jason Fettig and 29th director Ryan Nowlin, which traditionally takes place in Washington, D.C., according to the release.
