Boyts, Lawrence make the cut at All-State Band

According to Band Director Will Stafford, students must practice extensively and make the cut through multiple auditions.

“The music comes out in August, and they start working on it then, usually,” explained Stafford. “The first round of auditions is in December, and at that audition, if they go to the district level, they determine whether or not they make the cut to move on to the state level.”

District auditions include major scales depending on grade level. For sophomores like Boyts and Lawrence, that involves eight major scales, lyrical etudes and sight reading. Should they pass the initial round, state-level auditions involve a technical etude and sight reading.

Once they make it to the state level, passing students are placed in one of two bands according to grade level.

“If you get in, you’re considered one of the best in your state,” noted Boyts, recalling alongside Lawrence and Stafford that even once the auditions are cleared, challenges await in preparing for the final event.

Practicing for the All-State performance is an involved affair, with students beginning on Thursday evening, running through 12 hours on Friday, and holding a brief session on Saturday morning before the big show later that night.

They start by reviewing musical scales, then, they move on to etudes, which are short instrumental pieces meant to serve as practice songs. Sight reading, too, is evaluated, and involves performing sheet music the student has never seen before.

The demands on time and skill are daunting, and Boyts and Lawrence are proud of their feats.

“It feels really good, because when you’re going against everyone in the state and you’re so far north, there’s not many people that offer lessons,” Boyts expressed, proud of his ability to represent the skill that can still be found in more rural counties.

Lawrence agreed, explaining that students in metro areas might have more opportunities for music tutors and may have to try out just to be part of their school bands. In that regard, it felt like more of an accomplishment to have the skill necessary to take part in All-State.

The pair have both been part of band since sixth grade so have had a while to hone their skills. Originally, Boyts wanted to play flute, but during instrument testing, he found that the anatomy of his lips made playing it difficult. Instead, he decided to follow in the footsteps of his father and play the trumpet.

Lawrence, too, comes from a family of musical hobbyists and was inspired to give music a shot thanks to his parents’ encouragement. He tried both clarinet and saxophone, and because he “couldn’t get a sound” on the saxophone, the clarinet became his instrument of choice.

When it comes to how they feel about music following graduation, both agree that while they aren’t interested in pursuing careers in music, Boyts and Lawrence have no intention of dropping it as a hobby. But until 2028, they’ve resolved to continue to enjoy their time in the band.

“Just playing the music is a lot of fun, learning how to get better at playing the instrument and playing music,” Boyts said, enjoying band for what it has taught him about goal achievement.

For his part, Lawrence loves band for the opportunities to be creative and make good memories with a community of like-minded students.

Stafford, in turn, is proud of Boyts and Lawrence and claims they are “exemplary” students who set good examples for their peers. As a matter of fact, they were on Stafford’s Student Leadership Team last year.

“It’s incredible that our students are able to go down there and compete with the best of the best. I’m really proud of those kids,” Stafford said.