PRACTICE MAKES PERFECT FOR JACKSON BAND

At Jackson High School on Tuesday morning, the Jackson High School band held a rehearsal for the state contest set for 7:15 p.m. at the Southeast Missouri State University Center Ballroom. Jackson band directors are Scott Vangilder, Pat Schwent and Tom Broussard.

The symphonic band, which has 75 members, is an audition band that was led by Pat Schwent during the practice. The sound was very clear. This band is designed for students with more of a musical challenge in mind.

The concert band, which has 110 members, was led by Tom Broussard during the practice in the Jackson High School gymnasium. The two bands perform together in the beginning of the school year as a marching band, and one can often hear them practice loud and clear on a crisp, clear autumn morning.

After the first semester they split so that the students musical education can be better addressed.

That night, the practices paid off as both bands received the top rating from three judges. The groups are rated on a scale of 1-5 with the lowest number being the highest ranking.

The number they received was based on their accomplishment of delivering the music with feeling, keeping in tune, being stylistically correct and interpreting the piece correctly. After all that, they were asked to sight read music they've never seen before. The band directors were not allowed to hum or tap out a beat for the students, although they were allowed to make general explanations about the pieces.

Vangilder presents said the music department at JHS is dedicated to offering the students an education that seriously teaches music.