Three Perry High School students went to Iowa State University to participate in the Cyclone Honor Band on February 3rd.

Band Director Blaine Schmidt tells Raccoon Valley Radio that the ISU Honor Band is nomination based, and three students were selected. Schmidt reveals that the nominees were sent to him back in December, but he was sick at the time, so the students didn’t find out until a little later. The nominated students include Mallory Grant (Flute), Olivia Christensen (Oboe), and Alexa Nelson (Percussion). Schmidt talks about the unique viewing experience.

“It’s really cool, when you put together all the most committed students from schools all across the state, then you get this really cool product where you can play really challenging and rewarding music that you all learned together in just two days. So it’s a really cool experience, it’s really unique, and it’s a really good opportunity for students like that to go above and beyond and get that extra experience.”

Schmidt explains that the students dedicate a lot of time to the event as it normally stretches over two days with rehearsals before the performance.