BVSW wind and flute ensembles were selected to perform at Kansas Music Educators Association (KMEA) All-State Convention in Wichita on Feb. 27.

The KMEA event features speakers, bands with individual performers who auditioned for and won spots at district and state levels, and a few school ensembles selected by a judging panel. This is the first time BVSW is participating at the event. The All-State student musicians that attend are truly “the best of the best,” according to KMEA.

“Performing as a group at the All-State Convention is the highest honor a band can receive in Kansas. Of all the high schools in Kansas, only three were selected to perform: us, Blue Valley West, and Derby High School in Derby, Kansas,” band teacher Ed Protzman said.  “It was amazing to have both our wind ensemble and our flute ensemble selected. This is equivalent to high school sports teams making the state championship.”

“Barely any bands get in,” freshman Deandra Horner said. “It shows that we’re really good at what we do.”

The process of getting to the All-State level is long and involves a lot of hard work. Protzman submitted audition recordings to KMEA in May 2014. Students then began practicing in class and on their own after marching band season ended.

A lot of preparation goes into participating in the event. Each band member practices in class before school and on his or her own. Some of the students take individual lessons.  Protzman had a lot to arrange. Bus transportation, and hotel plans needed to be made.

“Flute ensemble practices every Thursday morning and in class. I know wind ensemble has been practicing hard every day during class and have 7 a.m. practices on Tuesdays,” freshman flutist Megan Flood said.

“We have had guests clinicians help and we will spend a day at Kansas University rehearsing to prepare for the event,” Protzman said.

All the practice pays off.

“When I perform music in front of large crowds, I’m so into the music I never even think about the audience in front of me.” freshman Lauren Stroder said.  “You need to be concerned for pleasing the audience with you musicality, but most musicians usually can tell by themselves if what they’re playing is pleasing.”

The band director and students agree that not only is this opportunity an honor there are other benefits as well.

“My favorite part of band is the experiences you get and the people you meet,” said Flood. “Everyone is so close and you get to know everyone so well and hang out with people you might not have if you weren’t united by this great program.”