Tyrone senior Emma Witkamp represented Tyrone in the PMEA Band Districts at Bellwood High School on January 23rd and 24th.

The festival gives talented musicians from across the area the opportunity to play together and perform.  The best musicians at the district festival also qualify for regionals.

Think of it as an all-star team for the performing arts.

“The festival is incredibly special to me because it’s a very different experience from anything else I’ve ever participated in,” Witkamp said. “It’s really amazing that students from different schools with different backgrounds and different experiences can come together so cohesively.”

Witkamp played the bassoon at the festival.

She did well enough at districts to be chosen to represent the district at the regional festival and concert in March.

Witkamp played the clarinet earlier in her music career but realized she wanted a bigger instrument so she switched to the bassoon.

This was Witkamp’s third time participating in the PMEA Band Districts.

At the competition, Witkamp played a variety of wind band music. Some pieces were slower while the others were quite fast.

Witkamp said that her experience with the band has helped her develop into an exceptional student and will better her in the future, not just as a musician.

“Participating in band makes me feel like I belong. Being in a large ensemble with experienced musicians makes me feel successful as a small part of something that can create memories for others,” Witkamp said.

Tyrone Band Director David Hock said appreciates the time and effort that Witcamp has put into her music and the band over the years.

“Emma worked really hard and played very well at District band, [well] enough to earn her a spot at the Regional Band Festival in March,” Hock said.