ROBERTSDALE, Ala. — Fourteen members of the Central Baldwin Middle School Band made a trip to “Tiger Town” (aka Auburn University) on the weekend of February 17-19 for the Second Annual Auburn University Middle School Symphonic Honor Band Festival.

Held in the student activities building, the finale concert featured students from all over the Southeast performing in three different bands, Symphonic Honor Band, under the direction of Mr. Jeff Atkins, Eagle Honor Band, under the direction of Mrs. Valerie Morgan and the Tiger Honor Band, under the direction of Mr. Joe Heiberger.

Ashley Brannon, CBMS band director, said the students applied for the honor band and then auditioned for chair placement when they got to the competition on Thursday afternoon.

“Most of them went last year and knew what to expect but there were two seventh graders who went for the first time. They did a great job and I am so proud of them. They had nine hours of rehearsal to prepare for the performance,” Brannon said.

They also had some free time to explore the campus and see what college life is all about on Friday between rehearsals.

The three directors and guest composer/director all come with years of experience and exceptional musical talent under their belts.

David Shaffer, the guest composer/ director received his degrees from Ohio State University and Miami (Ohio)University, where he has been assistant director and director for the past 30 years. He has also composed several pieces and has been a judge for Drum Corps International and Drum Corps Midwest.

Jeff Atkins, director of bands for Oak Mountain Middle School since 1999, is a University of Alabama graduate and a former member of the Million Dollar Band. He has also been a guest clinician throughout the state as well.

Valerie Morgan is currently director of bands at Simmons Middle school and has had much success with many other schools in Georgia. She graduated from Troy University with a B.A. in Music Education and a Master’s in Music Education from VanderCook College in Chicago.

Last but not least, Joe Heiberger is director of bands at Lovinggood Middle School in Cobb County, Georgia and he received his Music Education degree from the University of Southern Mississippi in 1994 and his Master of Music from Auburn University in 2009. He has been a clinician and guest conductor at Kennesaw State University and Auburn University as well as many schools in Tennessee, Mississippi, Missouri and Texas.

Students who participated in the competition included: Kaitlyn Conway, Maleya DeSpain, Cody Devine, Kaleigh Ezell, Michael Findley, Krystal Hallford, Zachary Lassitter, Miranda Mackey, Gage McKenzie, Michael Peterson (7th grader), Shawn Tedder, Brandon Williams (7th), George Williams and Morgan Wombaugh. Grace Jennings (9th grade) of Robertsdale High School also participated.