Mount Vernon Nazarene University is set to host the 2024 Ohio Music Education Association District 10 Honors Bands on Saturday, December 7. The event will be open to the public and free of charge.
According to a news release from Mount Vernon Nazarene University, the day will feature morning instruction for both bands and will culminate in a concert at 3:30 p.m. in the R.R. Hodges Chapel/Auditorium. More than 200 middle and high school musicians from Ashland, Coshocton, Delaware, Holmes, Knox, Licking, Morrow, and Richland counties are expected to participate. These students represent over 60 schools and are selected for the Honors Bands through nominations by their directors. High school musicians must also submit an audition featuring scales and an etude excerpt. Selected students will engage in rehearsals prior to the performance to refine their skills.
The news release highlights that two distinguished clinicians will be featured at the event. Jon Waters, assistant teaching professor of Music Education at Bowling Green State University and director of the Falcon Marching Band, will work with the high school band. He is recognized internationally as a music educator and band director. Waters previously served as director of Marching and Athletic Bands at The Ohio State University, where he gained acclaim for his innovative use of iPads in creating animated marching formations. In 2014, he delivered a TEDx talk titled "Tradition thru Innovation," and in 2022 directed the Band Directors Marching Band in the Tournament of Roses Parade.
Susann Blair-Ewing will serve as clinician for the middle school band. She is celebrating her 25th year as director of bands at Ann Simpson Davis Middle School in Dublin, Ohio. Blair-Ewing also works as a Woodwind Specialist for the Dublin Scioto High School attendance area and directs concert and jazz bands for grades six through eight. Additionally, she teaches music classes for special learners across all three grades and directs six Taiko drumming ensembles with over 120 participating students who have performed nationally and internationally.
