Honor Band to feature local high school musicians

GREENCASTLE -- On Thursday, Kresge Auditorium on the DePauw University campus will be filled with the sounds of local high school musicians coming together for a unique musical event.

The Putnam County Honor Band will bring together student musicians from Cloverdale, Greencastle, North Putnam, and South Putnam High Schools for a day of rehearsals followed by an evening performance.

Dr. Craig Pare', professor of music at DePauw University and conductor of the DePauw University Band, will be the Honor Band's Guest Conductor/Clinician.

"I'm very excited about the idea of bringing every Putnam County high school band musician together for a day of making music," said Pare'. "Our goal is to provide another quality musical experience for our local students that challenges them to work and perform at their highest levels. This could not happen without the collaboration of all of our high school instrumental music teachers: William Cole, Cloverdale; Robert Hedge, Greencastle; John Pinson, North Putnam; and Kurt Scott, South Putnam. It is because of their commitment to their students that we can present this Honor Band. I am grateful for their cooperation and their devotion to our local students."

"John Wilson, retired band director from North Putnam, told me of the energy and excitement his students shared when participating in this type of event," Cole said. "I want my students to be able to work together with other musicians in order to create a beautiful experience for performer and listener alike. This is a tremendous opportunity and I wish to express my appreciation to the DePauw University School of Music, Dr. Paré, and Mr. Hedge, Mr. Pinson, and Mr. Scott for their willingness to bring this event back into existence."

DePauw University will host the Honor Band on campus, with all activities taking place in the Green Center for the Performing Arts.

Rehearsals, featuring over 180 high school band musicians, will take place throughout the morning and afternoon, with the concert to be presented at 7:30 p.m. in Kresge Auditorium.

"We ask that everyone attending the performance bring one non-perishable food item for admission," Pare' said. "All donations will go to the Putnam County Emergency Food Pantry, located at the Putnam County Senior Center."

For more information, contact Paré, at 658-4385, or cpare@depauw.edu