Two BMS students accepted into prestigious State Honor Band

Bert Middle School students Jeffrey Cope, percussionist and Joseph Rechtfertig, clarinetist, were accepted to perform in the 2023 Iowa Bandmasters All-Iowa 8th Grade Honor Band in conjunction with the Iowa Bandmasters annual convention. This 132-member band is comprised of students from all six regional IBA districts across the state. Each district has its own specific requirements for selection, including very competitive auditions for participation in the ensemble, and these students are the top members of their sections at the district honor band level. Only one percussionist and four clarinetists from approximately 60 schools in the south-central district are accepted into the honor band. For the auditioning process, students were expected to memorize scales and prepare two etudes for their specific instruments.

Jeffrey and Joseph will travel to Des Moines to rehearse for a half day, and give a 1 p.m. concert May 11 in the Des Moines downtown Marriott Ballroom.