Vaca Peña Middle School is buzzing with excitement as it prepares for a special event this weekend. Selected student musicians from all over Solano County will gather to perform in the North Bay Honor Band.
This year, 12 talented students from Vaca Peña made the cut after auditioning, which is the highest number since David Flores-Workman became the Director of Bands. When he started in 2019, only two students from the school were accepted.
A total of 56 young musicians will take the stage on Sunday, representing schools from Vallejo, Benicia, Fairfield, Dixon, and more. Before the big day, there will be two full days of rehearsals. Flores-Workman has arranged for students to practice during school hours to help them get ready.
For eighth graders Brooklynn Bossi, Jonathan De La Cruz, and Yaritzi Romero, the application process was nerve-wracking. They competed against fellow students and others from different schools. Learning five new pieces of music has also been a challenge, but Flores-Workman has been there to guide them through tough sections.
This year’s auditions were especially competitive, and some qualified students didn’t make it due to limited spots and instrumentation. Once Friday arrives, the students will dive into two long days of practice leading up to the concert. “It’s an intense couple of days of rehearsal,” Flores-Workman says.
Being part of this Honor Band brings many benefits. “They’re high-level musicians, and it strengthens our program,” Flores-Workman explains. The students not only learn from each other but also gain valuable experiences that they can share with their peers.
Flores-Workman is also looking forward to learning new techniques from the conductor. For him, this event is a chance to grow as an educator as well. After completing eighth grade, these students will advance to a more challenging level of music. They’re eager to continue their musical journeys in the years ahead.
Here are the details for the concert:
- Event: North Bay Honor Band
- Date: Jan. 26
- Time: 1 p.m.
- Location: Vaca Peña Middle School, 200 Keith Way, Vacaville.
