More than 400 musicians from the area’s elementary and middle schools joined musicians from Northwest for the NW Area Band Festival Jan. 21 in the gym.
The concert marked director Penny Snead’s 16th year directing many of the bands playing in the festival.
“It is an opportunity for the community to see every band student – from the very beginners to the most advanced – perform in one night,” Snead said.
Snead directs the 7th grade band from Trailridge as well as Concert, Wind and Symphonic bands at Northwest.
Area jazz band leader and recording artist Doug Talley directs the 7th grade band at Trailridge and the Jazz Band here. The concert featured seven bands who played songs from popular movies including The Hunger Games, Jurassic Park and Rocky.
To add some humor to the concert, the musicians dressed up as characters from popular movies. Family members of the band students filled almost every seat in the main gym.
Sophomore Lia Smith has been in the band festival every year since 5th grade.
“It was a great experience that allowed band students of all ages to come together and encourage one another,” Smith said.