On Nov. 5, students gathered from many school districts to compete for their spot in all district band. FHN placed 17 students in 20 spots of this band and were sent into the next level. All-State band auditions were held on Dec. 21 at Hickman High School in Columbia, MO where students competed to play with the best of the best.

“There’s a lot more pressure,” junior Brandon Vestal said. “You’ve got this far and really want to make it. There’s more of a system, it’s just a lot more strict.”

Many of the students had been practicing for months and did not know which parts of songs they’d have to perform in front of the blind judges. After every student performed to the backs of the judges, the top 20 percent will perform again in callbacks and from there, those who move on will be chosen.

“[All-State band auditions] are primarily the same as District auditions but the stakes are higher. It’s the best of 13 districts trying for the same amount of space as each district band and no one has to make it. The whole state band could be from one district,” band teacher Jeff Moorman said.

Students arrived at Hickman by 8:30 a.m. to check in and get the time they will be auditioning. The entire process ends at eight at night so students could be there for about ten hours before finding out their results. Although the pressure is on for these students they all appear to be looking forward to the experience.

“I’m looking forward to the experience and hopefully making it,” senior Matt Van Coutren said. “Just overall having fun.”