In many music education systems in the United States, students have the opportunity to audition for various honor bands or ensembles at the district, regional or state levels. These auditions often involve a competition where students perform a set of required music pieces or exercises to demonstrate their musical abilities. This weekend event is called “Midstate” and is held each Spring to give the top musicians of Middle Tennessee an opportunity to perform with one another in large ensembles. Students are required to go to a few rehearsals, then they will both prepare and perform a concert and an ensemble.  

   During the fall, musicians must go through an audition process which includes three parts: scales, prepared music and sight reading. The students who score the highest in each section are selected as a Midstate Band member. Of these, only the top few high school musicians from each section can qualify for All-State. There is also a possibility of earning scholarships at Midstate, making this performance a very exciting event for the selected musicians. 

The students representing Blackman High School at this year’s mid-state competition are: 

Chloe Schmidt – Bb Clarinet, GOLD BAND 

Chloe Schmidt – Bass Clarinet, GOLD BAND 

Isabella Smythe – Horn, GOLD BAND 

Katie Adair – Flute, ALTERNATIVE 

Freddie Brock – Bb Clarinet, ALTERNATIVE 

Jenna Lynn Andersen – Jazz Trumpet, SILVER JAZZ 

Carter Smythe – Jazz Bari Saxaphone, ALTERNATIVE 

   “I’m going on bass clarinet instead of Bb clarinet, so I’m most excited about getting a new experience that differs from my day-to-day in wind ensemble. We just had our first rehearsal tonight, and it was really unique compared to past Midstate experiences because I heard the music in a different context than I would otherwise. Also, I think especially as principal clarinet player, this is really important because it allows me to have more of an understanding regarding the depth of music and all the different parts that create a cohesive whole,” said Chloe Schmidt, a senior member of the Blackman Blaze Band. 

  After practicing Thursday evening till the concert on Saturday, Jan. 27, the bands performed at Lipscomb University in the Collins Alumni Auditorium. See https://www.mtsboa.org for more details.