Every year music students from De Soto High School’s have the chance to audition for KMEA (Kansas Music Educators Association) bands and choirs.

Before auditioning, pieces of music are given to all who wish to audition by the KMEA officials. On the date of auditions each group of musicians is told which sections of the prepared piece they will play for the judges.

The actual audition is blind so the judges will pick the best musicians based on their sound. Then all the students who make the district honor band then have the opportunity to audition for the state band.

Competition for these bands is high, and students must prepare well for these auditions. For State, musicians once again, audition in front of an unseen judge. Again, a specified part of a practiced song is played for the judge. Students sit in the hallway until it is their time to play.

“You are really nervous until you audition,” said Maria Pileski, a senior  mad e State band.

After auditions, a list is sent out containing the names of people that made the band.

Many student do not make the state level band. Some tryout multiple times, hoping to make it at least once. This is Pileski’s first time making state band though she has auditioned in past years.

Seniors Rhiannon Caldwell, Emily Churchwell and Pileski, junior Madison Kerr and sophomore Connor Kennard all had the musical capabilities and talent to make this prestigious band.

These students will travel to Wichita on Feb. 21. They will be there until they perform on Feb. 23 in a concert with fellow qualified musicians for Kansas music educators and their parents.