Ipswich musician in MS All-State Band

South Dakota Music Education Association (SDMEA) sponsored the Middle School All-State Band at the Huron High School on March 1 and 2, 2019.

The group featured musicians in grades 6-8. Ipswich musician Sam Grabowska was a member of the group. He plays baritone.

Students from all over the state had to audition to be in the bands.

To celebrate the SDMEA's 20th anniversary, guest conductor and composer Tyler S. Grant conducted the Festival Band. He wrote a piece for the Festival Band to premiere at the concert.  Dr. Jacob Wallace, director of bands at SDSU, was the Honor Band conductor. 

A concert was presented on Saturday, March 2 in the Huron High School at 3 pm.

Grant said "his commissioned work depicted the geography and folklore of Badlands National Park. It is programmatic in nature and will be a great homage to one of the state's landmarks and one that serves as a great opportunity for musical growth in the students at honor band. 

The mission of the National Association for Music Education is to advance music education by promoting the understanding and making of music by all. SDMEA is a state affiliate of the National Association for Music Education. With over 400 members, SDMEA is the largest association of instructional musicians in the state catering to the needs of band, choral, general music and orchestral teachers.