The Mycenaean

All District Band is a competitive program. Students from all over North Carolina audition and practice to compete against opposing schools. The competition was January 31 and February 1.

About 900 students auditioned this year and only about 200 made it. Auditions are competitive and include an individual solo, scales, and playing a piece learned in 30 seconds. Students take these auditions very seriously, beginning practice weeks to months beforehand. “…I started looking at my audition materials in about summer. So I started learning my solo and learning all my materials and I really started drilling it in the last two weeks before the audition,” said Aiden Robers, Sophomore. 

Once students prepare and perform their auditions, only the best represent Leesville. This year’s competition was at Green Level High School in Cary, North Carolina. 

During the competition, students participate in “clinics” in which they work as a band to learn brand new pieces in two days. By the end of the second day, the different schools will perform their pieces and be ranked. The school with the best performance earns a medal. 

All District is an opportunity for students to work and learn with peers from all over the county. 

“It’s a really wonderful way for them to play challenging music with a brand new group of people and prepare it for a concert in a very short period of time,” said Josh Cvijanovic, Associate Director of Bands. 

With the competition that comes with All District Band, so do the nerves. Students have a lot to prepare and practice.

“And then they have to do all of that while overcoming the stress and anxiety of playing for people who are literally judging you and giving you a score for how successful or unsuccessful you may be,” said Cvijanovic.

However, there are ways to cope with the pressure. “Play with confidence, respect the process, and make the most of it,” typed Bella Von Der Heide, Senior. Students have many resources for support in the band community at Leesville and should never feel alone in their ventures. Using those around them for advice, guidance and trusting themselves in the process will send them far in life. 

All District Band is a competitive and respected opportunity for musicians all over North Carolina. Leesville Band members are excited and anxious to compete this weekend.