Two Pacelli students have been selected to participate in the 24th annual Southeast Minnesota Middle Level Honor Band. Adah Baron, sixth grade, and Diego Nieto Sorela, seventh grade, both saxophone players, have been selected to participate in this special program on Saturday, March 14.

Austin Public Schools has organized and hosted the Southern MN Middle Level Honor Band event for the past 24 years. Due to the present construction of the MacPhail Music Center at Austin High School, the event will be held in Waseca.

There are 27 schools participating in the event this year. The event consists of two bands, one for fifth and sixth grade and one for seventh and eighth grade. Guest conductors are brought in to work with each of the bands. Pete Guenther, the band director at Owatonna High School, will be conducting the 5-6 band. Scott Palmer, the band director at Rosemount High School, will be conducting the 7-8 band.

About 300 students were nominated as top musicians from their respective schools. Two hundred ten students were accepted to participate. The day of the honor band is packed for the students. They have full group rehearsals, sectionals, and a special performance just for students. A guest artist is invited each year to play for the students; this year the Southern MN REAL Big Band will be performing.

The Honor Band will be performing for family and friends at the end of the day. Concert admission is $4 for adults and $2 for children. Concert time is 5 p.m. in the Waseca High School Auditorium on Saturday, March 14.  The  musical talent of these southern Minnesota students will thrill all in attendance!

If you are interested in learning more about Pacelli Catholic Schools, please visit our website at www.pacellischools.org or email admin@pacellischools.org or call 507-437-3278 anytime during regular school hours.