Nine The University of Olivet students have been named to the 2018 Michigan Intercollegiate Honor Band. The Honor Band will be hosted at Cornerstone University on Feb. 3, culminating with a performance at 7 p.m. The concert is free and open to the public.
Junior Emily Dorn, trumpet; freshman Tori John, baritone saxophone; junior Samantha Lewis, flute; freshman Katie Murphy, alto saxophone; senior Emily Nelson, clarinet; freshman Makennah Rousseau, clarinet; freshman Daniel Rutter, horn; sophomore Emma Schut, horn; and sophomore Abigale Smith, trumpet, were selected to perform in the band based on nominations from Jeremy Duby, The University of Olivet director of bands.
The band is a joint collaboration between 10 Michigan colleges and universities. Woodwind, brass and percussion students are nominated by their conductor and come together for one day of rehearsals, capped by the concert in the evening. For many students, this provides an opportunity to perform large works that may not be accessible to their home school due to the small nature of ensembles and instrumentation.
Emily Dorn was selected for the Honor Band for the third time, and is just as excited as she was her first year. “I have had wonderful experiences playing with the Intercollegiate Honor Band,” Emily said. “I feel honored to be invited again because there is always room for growth when you’re a musician. I think the Honor Band does a great job in challenging every student to grow in their musical skills and abilities.”
Emily added that trying new things is essential for personal growth, and feels challenged to push herself out of her comfort zone by OC’s motto, Be More Do Good. “I don’t limit myself to the things I know I can do, but rather push myself to do things that are not only good for myself, but also help others in some way,” she explained. “The Intercollegiate Honor Band pushes musicians to meet new people and work together to practice and perform challenging music in one day. Even though it’s hard, the feeling you receive knowing you’ve accomplished this massive task with strangers leaves you with a feeling of pride.”
Abigale Smith, the Marching Comets drum major, is also looking forward to stepping out of her comfort zone to join the Honor Band, the first time she has been invited to perform. “It’s important to never become complacent with your own self growth and always strive to continue learning,” she emphasized. “I’m hoping to learn from the other musicians around me – learn how they do things at their college and how their experiences may be different or similar to mine. This will be a group of some of the best musicians in our state, and I want to soak up all of the knowledge and experiences I can from my peers while I’m there.”
The Honor Band will be directed by guest conductor Wesley Broadmax, Drexel University Westphal College of Media Arts and Design assistant professor and concert and prep band director. He has conducted several all-state and honor bands both nationally and internationally.
“The students get a real professional musical experience and get to share different experiences and studies with fellow musicians from the state of Michigan,” Director Duby said. “This is a great honor and experience for our students and certainly results in enhancing our program and many others.”
For more information about the Intercollegiate Honor Band, contact Director Duby at 269.749.7158 or jduby@uolivet.edu. To learn more about opportunities for students interested in music – both academically or as an extracurricular – visit campus or contact the Office of Admissions at 800.456.7189 or admissions@uolivet.edu.