The LCMS/LCHS Concert Band earned an overall Superior rating at the West Laurens Invitational Concert Festival and an overall Excellent rating at the McDuffie County Concert Festival. The soloists for the band were: (l-r) Jazmon Dukes, Lizzy McKinney, and Donnell Harris. The LCMS/LCHS Concert Band earned an overall Superior rating at the West Laurens Invitational Concert Festival held Thursday, March 2, in Dublin.

During the festival, a total of 17 schools performed for a panel of three adjudicators over a two-day period.

"Our hard work paid off," said Jasper Dukes, band director at LCMS/ LCHS. "We received a Superior rating from all three judges. The students were overwhelmed when they heard the exciting news. Once again, this group of talented musicians did LCHS and Lincoln County proud."

Last month, the band participated in the McDuffie County Concert Festival in Thomson and received two Excellent ratings and one Superior rating from the judges which resulted in an overall rating of Excellent.

"The students did an exceptional job, but we fell short of our goal which was to receive an overall Superior rating," stated Dukes. "Nevertheless, the judges made several helpful comments that we used to improve our overall performance."

Thirteen schools took part in the McDuffie County festival.

Referring to the improvements made by the band during the two weeks between the McDuffie County and Dublin festivals, Dukes said, "I'm proud of these students for grasping the vision placed before them and working hard to achieve their goals. They have a superb work ethic."

The selections performed by the band during this year's concert season include "Bandology" by Eric Osterling, "Romanesque" by James Swearingin, and "Encanto" by Robert W. Smith. Serving as soloists are Lizzy McKinney, flute; Donnell Harris, alto saxophone; and Jazmon Dukes, trumpet.

According to Dukes, the band was evaluated on the following criteria at both festivals:

Tone - It should be centered and focused, assuring beauty and blend.

Intonation - There should be an established pitch center, supporting melodic and harmonic parts.

Balance and blend - There should be appropriate band tonality and centered sound.

Technique - The band should exhibit articulation and precision, adequate for the style of music selected.

Musicianship - This refers to expression, phrasing, and style.

Music - The selections performed should be appropriate for the students and their level of music education.

General comments - This refers to stage presence or appearances related to artistic presentation.

As for the future, Dukes noted that the band is currently preparing for its annual spring concert which is set for Tuesday, May 2, at 7 p.m. in the LCHS Auditorium.

There are 36 musicians in the concert performance band. They are Jennifer Herrick, Nathan Fields, Scott Sutherland, Shayna Blackmon, Brittney Calhoun, Coty Norman, Jazmon Dukes, Lizzy McKinney, Charles Jackson, Lee O'Neill, Shondez Harrison, Donnell Harris, Keywanna Foston, Pateria Heath, JeRee Dukes, Bianca Marshall, Brandon Jenkins, Breauna Jenkins, Amberly Barksdale, Syrithia McCladdie, Erik Smith, Ashia Crew, Nicole Beard, Shayman Hearst, Ceseley Henderson, Washat Ware, Jeffrey Brown, Chelsea Duncan, Karl Perrin, Shawn Parks, Jeremy Latimer, Joel Dukes, Telisa Ferguson, and Cordarius Harden.