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Connor McGovern practices with other members of the Colonial Forge High School wind ensemble.
Band Director Andrew Loft Hillary Clemons 17, (right), and Patricia Ast, 16, practice with the CFHS Wind Ensemble. |
The Colonial Forge High School Wind Ensemble will be heading to the Homestead in November to play a very prestigious performance.
The ensemble's appearance at the Virginia Music Educators Association annual conference will mark the first time any Stafford County school group has performed at this function.
Andrew Loft, the group's director, said usually only two high school and two middle school groups are selected to play at the conference.
Because the deadline for applying for the performance is May 1, Loft said his group from last year secured the spot. They had to practice certain music and submit it by tape to be considered.
Loft's dedication and enthusiasm to his band students is evident when he talks about his students.
Loft describes the group of 55 students as "hard workers, wonderful musicians and fantastic citizens," pointing out that many of this year's group are also in marching band. They have ensemble practice in addition to marching band practice.
One of those students is junior Brian Corbin, 16, who is in the wind ensemble, Colonial Forge's Sound and Guard marching band, and the concert band.
"I'm playing at least five or six hours a day," he says, "I wouldn't have it any other way."
Corbin has played clarinet for six years and been a member of the wind ensemble for three. He is excited about performing at the conference and says, "Music is my life and my passion."
When asked when he gets his homework done, he said, "I don't sleep."
Corbin wants to major in music at college "because of Mr. Loft" whom he describes as very supportive.
At the conference, the ensemble will be playing an original piece of music, "Fanfare," which was written for the opening of Colonial Forge High School by David Schear. Among the other selections will be a piece by Charles Young called "Tempered Steel" and "Resting in the Peace of His Hands" by John Gibson.
The ensemble will feature a flute trio made up of past graduates who are now studying music in college--Courtney Martin, Christine Pulver and Alexandra Cata. There also will be a xylophone solo by Kevin Taylor.
Well-known Colonial Forge Director Emeritus John Easley will guest conduct.
The band will be staying overnight in Lexington when they perform at the conference. They are looking for ways to offset the expenses of travel and accommodations. If you'd like to help, call Andrew Loft at Colonial Forge High School.
The Virginia Music Educators Association is made up of individuals associated with the teaching of music in schools or privately in Virginia.
Shannon Howell is a freelance writer who lives in Stafford County. You can reach her by e-mailing
