Tyrone senior Molly LaPorte, a senior French horn player, traveled to Somerset High School last week to participate in the PMEA District VI Band Festival.  At the festival she auditioned for the PMEA Regional Band that consists of musicians from both District IV and District VI.  LaPorte was chosen to move on to the regional band festival as second chair on third book horn, third chair horn overall.

LaPorte was the only Tyrone musician to move onto District Band at pre-auditions that took place last fall.

In order to attended District Band musicians must learn to play a song of high caliber and, in order to avoid bias, perform their piece in a blind audition.  This means the judges cannot see the musician, but can hear them play.

LaPorte played Concerto for Horn III by Wolfgang Amadeus Mozart for her district band audition.

To move on to the regional band festival the musician must learn the music in the district band festival folder; two selections from the music is picked at random.  Once again the musicians will participate in blind auditions for their chair.

“I always try my best to get into District Band.  I enjoy the festival and always have a great time,” said LaPorte.

LaPorte has been heavily involved in the Tyrone Music Department throughout her high school career.

LaPorte has been a marching band drum major since her sophomore year. LaPorte also participates in the Jazz Band, playing the trumpet, and is a vocalist in POPs Extension, Tyrone Area High School’s show choir.

When it comes to festivals LaPorte is decorated.  Since her sophomore year LaPorte has attended the district band festival all three years of eligibility. She has moved onto the regional band festival all three years as well.  LaPorte also attended district chorus her junior year.

“Now that I made it to regionals I can focus on making it to states,” said LaPorte.

LaPorte will attend the PMEA Region Band Festival on February 11^th.

The concert will be on February 13^th at Altoona Area High School.