By Meghan Pennell
Sophomore Ben Folkers surprised not only the Northwest community by making a National Association for Music Education, NAfME, nation-wide honor ensemble, but surprised himself too. Folkers worked hard to prepare and record his audition and has been esteemed to play trombone in the ensemble. Originally planned to take place November 8-11in Orlando, Florida, the ensemble is planning on developing a virtual way of playing together even through the pandemic.
Last year, as a freshman, Folkers made first chair trombone in All-State Orchestra, allowing him to audition for the ensemble. Although Folkers is self-motivated when it comes to practicing, Band Director Shawn Pfanstiel played a large role in encouraging him to “throw his name into the hat.”
“I made sure to keep my expectations low,” Folkers said. “I didn’t want to get my hopes up.”
Folkers said he was shocked to see he made such a prestigious band.
For auditions, players had to send in a timed
recording as well as a written application. Folkers spent around three months preparing his submission with help from Pfanstiel.
“I was very happy to see Ben had made it,” Pfanstiel said. “A freshman from Grand Island, Nebraska, getting to play with a national group is pretty exciting.”
Although Folkers isn’t sure about his future in music, auditioning for bands like All-State and NAfME have really grown his confidence as a player. Now that the work of learning notes and rhythms is complete, Folkers can focus on more advanced playing skills.
“The sky is really the limit for him,” Pfanstiel said. “He has a high level of musicianship and a higher awareness of the nuances that separate a good player from a great player already.”
*Photo Courtesy of Sydney Milsap
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