For the second year in a row, junior Will Bowerman has been invited to the District Honors Jazz Band. This selective band is comprised of some of the finest musicians in Floyd County. To be accepted into the prestigious band, you have to undergo several steps during the audition. Being accepted, or even just auditioning, is a lot of work since you have to spend extra time practicing. Last year, Bowerman traveled to Heritage High School to work with other talented musicians, showing off his excellence in trumpet. This year, he returned to Ringgold to advance his skills even more.

“It makes me more confident in myself and playing music, especially since I thought I was going to do worse this year, but I ended up doing better,” Bowerman said.

Last year, Bowerman was the first Darlington band student to be accepted into this honors band. He began his music career early on, participating in the band in fourth grade, before he transitioned to the jazz band throughout middle school.

“In middle school, there was a jazz band class, and I didn’t really want to take another art class, so I joined it,” Bowerman said. “My brother also played in the jazz band before, and he told me that it was fun, so I thought I’d try it.”

Getting accepted into the honors jazz band is not an easy task. It requires a lot of practice and a long audition process. Bowerman describes this year’s audition experience.

“I had to practice for about two months, so I joined some periods for that. Then, when auditions came around, I drove out an hour and a half to Heritage High School in Ringgold. I went to the audition room and did my scales, and then they sent me to another room where I did an A2 and a sight reading on the spot,” Bowerman said.

Since Bowerman hopes to continue band throughout college, the honors jazz band provides more experience, which is what colleges and other programs are looking for.

“There is a greater chance I can play at a college level and that I probably have a better chance at getting into future honor bands since I’ve been exposed to them,” Bowerman said.

Being in this band for the second year in a row teaches Bowerman a lot of new skills, both in the band room and out. This selective experience changes the way he views Jazz music.

“Mr. Harvey [Damon] and I talked a lot about how it affects my leadership and how it kind of changes my outlook on Jazz music,” Bowerman said.

While being invited to this band means you are one of the top musicians in our district, Bowerman still wants to work on refining his improvisation skills, showing that there is always room for improvement.

“Be confident when you play. Everyone is going to be nervous at the audition, so even if you are nervous, give it your all, and your score will go up so much. The judges can really tell,” Bowerman said.