Elgin High students earn prestigious spots in Oregon high school band event

By Shannon Weidemann (McKone) on Monday, October 30th, 2023 in More Top Stories Northeastern Oregon News

ELGIN — In a triumph for Elgin High School’s music program, five talented students have secured coveted spots to perform at the prestigious Oregon All State High School Symphonic Band in Eugene this January.

The students—Anna Buckley, Megan Duffy, Charlee Morehead, Riley Morehead, and Abigail Saffell—successfully navigated a highly competitive audition process, with an impressive five out of ten Elgin applicants securing positions.

The Oregon Music Education Association, the state affiliate of the National Association for Music Education (NAfME), oversees this annual event that has been a staple in Oregon for over 60 years. The association aims to promote excellence in music education and address the professional needs of its members. The All-State event provides thousands of students a unique opportunity to build confidence, connect with fellow musicians from across the state, and forge enduring memories.

For these Elgin students, the All-State experience promises to be especially rewarding. Run by OMEA, the program allows participants to rehearse and perform under the guidance of renowned guest conductors, fostering an environment of musical excellence. To secure a spot in the ensemble, students had to undergo a rigorous audition process, submitting applications along with their auditions.

Charlee Morehead, a senior flute player; Anna Buckley, a senior baritone saxophonist; Abigail Saffell, a senior percussionist; Megan Duffy, a junior clarinet player; and Riley Morehead, a freshman French horn player, demonstrated exceptional musical prowess during the audition process.

Elgin High School’s music director Tucker Buckley expressed immense pride in the accomplishments of the selected students. “I’m very proud of these kids and equally proud of the kids who auditioned but did not make it in,” said Buckely. “Everyone worked extremely hard preparing for their audition and did their very best.”