The honors keep amassing for the Monroe Public Schools music program with the latest accolades coming to the instrumental music program at Monroe High School. 

               The most recent group to garner state honors was the Monroe High School Jazz Band, under the direction of Mr. Jim Nuechterlein, which earned a Division One rating – the best achievable – at the Michigan School Band and Orchestra Association’s (MSBOA) State Jazz Festival. This is the fifth Division One rating the band has earned in the last six years.

               The Jazz Band also had two members earn soloist awards at the recent Northview High School Jazz Festival in Sylvania, Ohio.  They are Dallin Bowie, piano, who won the Outstanding Soloist Award, and trombonist Kyle Henderson, who was an Honorable Mention Soloist.

               With a flute solo, MHS’ Nicholas Howerton received a Division One rating in Proficiency 1 at the MSBOA Solo and Ensemble Festival at Chelsea High School.  Students perform before a judge who specializes in that particular instrument.  Ratings range from one to five with a one rating being the best.  Solo proficiency levels range from 1 to 3 with 3 being the hardest.

Rounding out the March competition performance schedule were the Monroe High School Concert Band and the Wind Ensemble who earned Division Two ratings for their performances at the MSBOA’s District 12 Band and Orchestra Festival in Woodhaven.  They are directed by Mr. Nuechterlein.  Ratings range from Division One to Division Five with Division One considered an outstanding performance.