Viera High School Wind Ensemble to Perform at National Event

The Viera High School Wind Ensemble is headed to Indianapolis!

The 60 students who make up the musical group will join other high school and middle school concert bands, choirs, chamber ensembles, orchestras and percussion ensembles at the Music for All National Concert Band Festival, presented by Yamaha, March 12-14, 2020.

Stan Schoonover, a coordinator from Music for All, visited Viera High School in October to officially invite the woodwind ensemble to the prestigious event.

The non-competitive atmosphere of the festival provides a place for growth, cooperative encouragement among music programs, students, parents, boosters and administrators. 

Music for All’s concert events are recognized as the pinnacle of educational programming for high school and middle school instrumental music programs nationwide. Music for All reaches more than 300,000 people through these events, with more than 85,000 teens participating annually. 

Schoonover said that in the absence of a required repertoire, directors select their own programs for the event. 

“There are no ratings or rankings so directors and their ensembles are free to stretch themselves, reach for new heights, and strive for innovation, growth and excellence, instead of focusing on a rating or placing,” he said. 

Festival participants experience an atmosphere of mutual respect for their peers while enjoying concerts from other outstanding ensembles. 

Bands also are mentored by selected musicians and music professionals in private master classes, giving them valuable insight on their performances. Students will receive a recording of the entire event featuring performances by all 37 bands and orchestras, over 20 ensembles, 10 percussion groups, and 14 choirs. The recording also will feature performances by the Honor Band of America, Honor Orchestra, and the Honor Jazz Ensemble of America. 

Viera High School’s Band Director Dominick (Nick) Eggen said the band is proud to represent Brevard County. The band launched a fundraising campaign with help from parents and the board to offset the cost of the trip to Indiana. 

“Our school has great partners in the community who I’m sure will want to be part of the effort,” Eggen said.

Help Them Get There

WHO: Viera Hawks Wind Ensemble

WHAT: 202 Music for All National Concert Band Festival

WHEN: March 12-15, 2020

WHERE: Butler University, Indianapolis, Indiana

WHY: An impactful educational opportunity

HOW: With generous support from family, friends, and community. The estimated cost per student is $1,600.

Any individual or organization interested in supporting these students can contact Sylvie Fortier at HawksGoNational@gmail.com or 321-987-3690.

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