Recently, the BYU-Idaho Honor Band concert was held in Rexburg, and musicians from Malad Middle School and Malad High School were in attendance.  Honor band is composed of students from around the area who have been nominated for their musical skill by their band directors.  In the case of High School students, there is the additional step of auditioning for seating at the concert. 

Tyker Hamilton, Silvia Gleckler, Seth Huckaby, Liam Atkinson

“It’s great, in that it gives kids a chance to see what it’s like to really compete and try out with other high-level musicians,” Malad High School and Middle School Band and Chorus Director Foster Garrett said.  “We don’t do that to the middle school kids,” he laughed.  “But it’s an amazing two days of music for everyone.”

The Honor Band students receive an often rare experience to play in a large venue with a full complement of student musicians beside them and a skilled conductor/director.  The High School students are usually directed by a musician with a strong musical education pedigree and commensurate experience, while the Middle School students are often directed by a Middle School director.  “It’s helpful to have someone work with the middle schoolers who can speak middle school,” Garrett said.

For Malad, the Middle School was represented by Tyker Hamilton, Silvia Gleckler, Seth Huckaby, Liam Atkinson.

Malad High School was represented by Marshall Asay, Bronson Garrett, Mary Zabriskie, Johanna Zabriskie, Austin Mathews, Jacquelinn Young, Tavin Barnes.  

Drumline practice before the game.

Music in the Oneida School District is a huge part of the community, and students who come through the programs are included at a majority of marquee local events, including Memorial Day observances, Fourth of July festivities, the Welsh Festival, Evening of the Arts, Parades, Auctions, Fundraisers, church events, and so on.  Anywhere a song or a melody is needed, Malad students are on hand to provide it.

The Drumline, which was officially kicked off last year for the Fourth of July parade, is gaining steam as spring makes its way into the valley.  Right now, the drumline has space for another handful plus of drummers—so any students who think they might be interested should keep their eyes and ears out for more information about joining.  The drumline can be a fun way to finally play the drums for students who usually have other assignments in band, choir, or elsewhere.