On May 6, the Monroe High School Wind Ensemble participated in State MSBOA Band and Orchestra Festival. In order to go to States, groups have to receive the highest rating at Districts, which is a one. Under the direction of Jim Nuechterlein, the MHS Wind Ensemble received straight ones at district festival with an overall rating of a one. They also received straight ones in performance at states and a two in sight reading, for an overall rating of a one. This was only the third time MHS Wind Ensemble went to states under the direction of Nuechterlein, and the first time they received a one.

According to sophomore Abigail Howerton, it was really cool to get a one and the group has come a long way from when they first started.

“It was really cool that we got a one for the first time ever. We [the ensemble] did really good, it was amazing the way the music sounded. When we started we weren’t very good, but now we sound really good,” Howerton said.

Nuechterlein said that he is very proud of the band, and he was glad to be able to share this wonderful event with Wind Ensemble. He said that they have come a long way from where they had started earlier in the year to where they are now.

“They made tremendous success,” Nuechterlein said. “Just playing musically. Going from just laying notes and markings on the page to playing music.”

Senior and marching band drum major Grant Prater says that he is very proud of the band and he said he feels that they all improved tremendously.

“I am very excited and proud of the band, and I am very happy for Mr. Nick because this is his first one at state concert festival,” Prater said.  “We should all be proud because we really worked hard for it. The band improved drastically.”