Members of the Francis Howell North band program are traveling to Mizzou this Saturday, May 3, for the

annual MSHSAA State competition and Music Festival. Although not everyone is asked to participate at state, many FHN band students scored a ‘one’ on their pieces at Districts, making them eligible. Instead of the entire band competing, separate ensembles like the percussion section, flute quartet, and saxophone sextets are asked to play.

“I am excited about playing my pieces for the judges and showcasing all the hard work I have put in,” sophomore Hannah Weber said. “I think we will do well at state because we have all been practicing a lot and we are cohesive as a group.”

Weber is a percussionist and is going to be playing several songs at state including “BOD and JFC” and “Gitt’n Jiggy with it”. The percussion ensemble will be performing “Tut Digga Da Kaa”. According to Weber and sophomore Rachel Leimkuhler, the musicians practice at least once a day in class and even more when they get home. Leimkuhler will be playing a song called “Flutation” on the flute.

“I am really excited to spend time with friends and getting to see what we can accomplish together, I think we are going to do fantastic at state.” Leimkuhler said.

Upcoming events for the Francis Howell North band include the Spring Concert on Thursday, May 8, and a competition in Sandusky, Ohio, the weekend of May 10 and 11 where they get their pieces critiqued.