On Saturday, January 25, at 9:00 A.M., the Fossil Ridge High School Wind Symphony performed at the Colorado Music Educator Association’s annual clinic and conference. Tis event is held each year at the Broadmoor in Colorado Springs. In total, the band performed four songs: “Xerxes”, “Symphonies of Gaia”, “Make Our Gardens Grow” from the Candid Suite, “Armenian Dances”, and “Oxford’s March” from the William Byrd Suite.

After the event, senior percussionist Alex Errett expressed how much work went into the performance. “We’ve been working really hard for the last six months. We’ve had a lot of rehearsal outside of class.” He continued, explaining how “ーit means a lot to me, especially in my senior year, just being able to come here for the first time when I wasn’t able to two other times, and actually perform and have a little leadership experience.”

Trombone player Tori Mitchell shared similar sentiments on the event, and the feelings surrounding it. “It was exciting. It felt pretty good to hear the work we put in come together. We’ve been working on this all year, and they came out really well, and I was very happy.” Mitchell also offered some insights into what it felt like to perform, discussing how “ーmy favorite song is ‘Armenian Dances.’ I get a lot of good low parts in that, the way the energy fits together in that is really fun.”

Band director Meghan Muñoz explained the impact of the event, stating, “It’s such an honor. It’s not very often you get to come to these events. The kids played really, really well, I’m super proud of them. A lot of work goes into this.”