Music students attend, perform at state MMEA conference

Band members attending and performing at the MMEA conference included, from left: front, Phillip Emmerich (trombone), Marilyn Yennie (clarinet), Ed Wendt (tuba), back, Alex Cyert (euphonium), Katie Lieder (trumpet), Mary Gerty (bassoon) and Katie Kosiek (alto saxophone).

Dr. David Leung

Twelve SMU music students attended and performed at the Minnesota Music Educators’ Association Conference Feb. 14-16. Seven members of the SMU Concert Band performed in the Intercollegiate Honor Band, a college level all-state ensemble made up of the best musicians from colleges and universities throughout Minnesota.

Band members attending included: Phillip Emmerich (trombone), Marilyn Yennie (clarinet), Ed Wendt (tuba), Alex Cyert (euphonium), Katie Lieder (trumpet), Mary Gerty (bassoon), and Katy Kosiek (alto saxophone).

This year’s highlight was the world premiere of “Star-Crossed,” a new composition for band by Andrew Boyson, who also conducted the ensemble. Along with the honor band performers, music and music education majors attended the many pedagogy clinic sessions and performances, including: Ashley Buhr, Abbie Zuzeck, Rebekah Kisrow, Eric Doyle and Cassie Ricker.  As part of the conference the SMU Music Department had an information booth in the exhibit hall, and Dr. Janet Heukeshoven and David Leung spoke with many teachers and students in the booth.