P-CEP, East Middle School Students Named To All-State Band, Orchestra

Press release from Plymouth-Canton Schools:

In the middle of a school year filled with changes, the constant that is the P-CEP band program’s tradition of excellence was honored again recently when a record eight Park band program members were named to the Michigan School band and Orchestra Association (MSBOA) All-State ensembles.

This year’s honorees included Nathan Aylesbury (Trombone), Miles Bone (Tuba), Thomas Borst (Trombone), Ben Hodge (Bassoon), Anna Mueller (Percussion), Connor O'Loughlin (Alto Saxophone), Charlotte Pavlic (Euphonium), and Dustin Voelker (French Horn).

Competition for ensemble places is fierce, with 200 winners being chosen from over 2,500 applications submitted statewide. Seven of P-CEP’s honorees were named to the All-State Band, with Voelker receiving the additional honor of being named to the prestigious All-State Orchestra – a position which recognizes him as one of the top four French horn players in Michigan.

While most of the honorees come from P-CEP’s Wind Ensemble, the depth of quality musicians at the Park is exemplified by the fact that one All-State Band honoree plays in P-CEP’s second-highest level ensemble, the Chamber Winds.

To be considered for All-State honors, students were required to submit a series of memorized scales to demonstrate their advanced skill level, as well as a collegiate level piece or pieces of music.

P-CEP’s record number of honorees this year is even more noteworthy because the COVID-19 pandemic has prevented in person instruction and performances. Students work with the P-CEP band staff in a virtual environment, but Director of Bands Mike Wells says the students’ self-discipline has been key to their success.

“I tell people in our community that the kids in our program are some of the most motivated students at P-CEP,” Wells said. “Being a part of [the All-State ensembles] is an amazing and well-deserved honor, and I’m so happy for them."

Students named to All-State ensembles would normally be invited to receive a masterclass and perform at the MSBOA’s music festival in Grand Rapids. While COVID-19 has canceled that conference this year, Wells said the honor of being named to the group is its own reward.

In addition to the high school honorees, East Middle School student Porter Bone (Trumpet) was named to the MSBOA Middle School All-State Band.

This press release was produced by the Plymouth-Canton Schools>. The views expressed here are the author’s own.