MHS tuba players Katherine Espinoza and Chance Ackerson. Submitted photo

The Maricopa High School Band and Orchestra Programs had 11 students audition for the Arizona Music Educators’ Association Central Region Honor Band and Orchestra on Saturday at Desert Ridge High School in Mesa.

Tuba player Chance Ackerson was named to the region band for the second straight year.
Tuba player Katherine Espinoza was named second alternate and will be called up to perform if needed.

Music Instructor Ivan Pour stated, “This is an extremely rigorous audition process. Students have to prepare three etudes, perform 2 scales (chosen by judges), and sight read. Our region is one of the most competitive in the state with many large and successful music programs in it, including all the Gilbert district high schools, Mesa Mountain View, and many others. This is a big accomplishment for these students. Please congratulate them!”

The rehearsals for the band will be Feb. 17-18 at Mesa Mountain View High School, with the performance of the region, orchestra, band and choir at 2:30 on Feb. 18 also at Mountain View. The band clinician this year is AMEA President Jennifer Hamilton.