Manchester Bands score high at state festival

The Manchester High School band at a recent performance.

On the weekend of April 28-29, Manchester High School hosted one of the sites of the 2017 State Band and Orchestra Festival. Bands and orchestras from around the state who earned a first division rating at the district level are invited to participate in this event. There were 20 ensembles that participated at the Manchester site including District 8 members Onsted, Michigan Center, Brooklyn, Columbia Central, Jackson Northwest, and Jackson Lumen Christi. Other schools included Monroe, North Branch, Trenton, Morrice, Clio, Flint Carman Ainsworth, Dundee and Otisville Lakeville.

Both the Manchester Middle School seventh and eighth-grade band and the Manchester High School Concert Band earned first division (superior) ratings at this event. This marks the first time since 2011 for the middle school band, and the first since 1989 for the high school Concert Band.

This was the first time that both bands have earned a first division rating in the same year and the first time with the high school band under director Jared Throneberry.

"I am so proud of both of these groups," Throneberry said. "They continue to impress me with their continued efforts and dedication to working as a team. This is a testament to the parents, teachers, staff, and the Manchester community, who continue to support our kids in their many endeavors."

Both bands have concerts coming up in which some of the music performed at state festival will be featured. The high school spring concert is scheduled for Wednesday, May 17 at 7 pm and will feature the concert band, jazz band, and the choir. The middle school concert is scheduled for Tuesday May 23 at 7 pm and will feature the 5th, 6th and the 7/8 Band. Both concerts will be in the high school auditorium.

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by Marsha Chartrand

Marsha Johnson Chartrand, a founder, writer, and copy editor with the Manchester Mirror, is a 50-year resident of Manchester. She has a long history of volunteer and community involvement.