HOLLAND, MI (WHTC) – Two students from West Ottawa High School have been recognized by the Michigan School Band and Orchestra Association.
West Ottawa Senior Benjamin Hahn has been selected first chair for the Michigan State Band and Orchestra Association All-State Orchestra. Hahn is planning to major in music in college and is currently a member of the Grand Rapids Youth Symphony and the Michigan State University Spartan Youth Wind Symphony. He will be eligible to perform with the All-State Orchestra in January at the Michigan Music Conference.
West Ottawa junior Abby Shepard has been named honorable mention for the MSBOA All-State Band. Shepard has received First Division ratings at District and State Solo and Ensemble Festivals as a soloist and member of WOHS Saxophone Quartet. She is also a member of the WOHS Jazz 1 Saxophone section that has received an Outstanding Section Award at Central Michigan University.
Both students were among more than 2,000 students who auditioned for the MSBOA All-State Band, Jazz Band and Orchestra. Students performed blind auditions and were selected by a panel of college professors.
– Mary Ellen Murphy
