Utica Stevenson sophomore chosen for All State Band

Jordan Matthews knew the minute she picked up a flute in seventh grade band that she had found something that will forever be a part of her life.
“I feel that music will always be part of my future, even if I choose other career options," she said. “It’s a great community of people who share the same passion and I love being in bands.”
Even though she is just getting started, this future already looks bright after Matthews was selected to perform in this year’s All State Honors Band.
Matthews landed one of seven spots for flutists in the band after being in an audition pool of more than 1,000 high school students from across the state.
“I feel like I worked hard, but in the end, I'm just happy that I could read for it,” she said of the honor. “I'm excited to do it. I can't believe that it happened to me.”
Stevenson High School band teacher Michael Yaros called Matthews a natural musician who has worked hard for the honor.
“I can't take any credit for Jordan's success,” he said. “She's a driven student with an exceptional work ethic as well as an innate inner beauty that exudes forth through her music making."
To qualify, Matthews submitted a 10-minute audition tape that was evaluated by an adjudicator for the all state band.
In January, Matthews and other members of the approximately 100 student band will assemble in Grand Rapids for nearly three days of rehearsals with nationally recognized conductors.
The band will perform on January 24 at the Michigan Music Conference.
Matthews said she chose the flute because “I like the way it sounded” when she joined the Jeannette Junior High School band.
“I appreciate that I was able to be introduced to a band when I was ,” she said. “It helped me find out what I'm passionate about, and I am going to keep working hard at it so I can get better."

Superintendent Robert Monroe
Http://uticak12.org

Source: Utica Community Schools