By Elizabeth Farnsworth
Marietta Daily Journal Staff Writer
MARIETTA- Eighty middle schoolers from Mabry Middle School in East Cobb have spent the past week having a blast and making music in Chicago as they performed at The Midwest Clinic's 61st annual conference.
Band leaders say the clinic represents the worldwide "pinnacle" of music education.
"In the field of music education, all bands and directors and orchestras aspire to play at The Midwest Clinic," Mabry band director Dan Welborn said. "It's the most respected concert venue that you can obtain at any level in music education."
The Mabry band was one of 12 bands from around the world chosen to perform, and one of two middle school bands to get a chance to shine. Along with Mabry, bands from China and Australia also performed in Chicago.
The educational clinic boasts an annual attendance of about 16,000 educators and performers, organizers said, and has been going strong since 1946.
Mabry applied for The Midwest Clinic last March and was chosen from among at least hundreds of applicants, Welborn said. The group performed nine concert pieces, which they've been practicing since school started in August. Students raised money for the trip by selling cheesecakes, and through parent and community donations.
Music education is a crucial component of education, Welborn said. Studying music increases children's higher-level thinking skills, helps them learn how to work together toward a goal and teaches them discipline, he said.
"Being in a school band is a microcosm of life. Whatever you put into it is what you're going to get out," he said. "It's amazing what 13 and 14-year-olds can do. A lot of times we, as educators, don't explore the full potential kids are capable to do. I'm proud that at Mabry, with the band, we've done that."
efarnsworth@mdjonline.com
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Congratulations to the Mabry Band. I was in attendance at the Midwest Clinic and for your performance. I found your ms band to perform as well as many high school bands. I was very proud of your efforts. Alfred L. Watkins, Director of Bands Lassiter HS
I went on this trip. It was a lifetime experience that I will never forget. And the MidWest Clinic was the performance of my life.
I was a participant in the Mabry Band trip to Chicago. I was one of the best expirences I have ever had! There where so many exciting things we did. All the places and instrument exhibits we visited, all the music educatiors we meet really taught me a few things about how music is appreciated around the world. Mabry Band Rules!!!!! Go Trumpets!!!!!!:)
The Midwest Clinic was one of the most fun experiences of my life. I know that all of us had a great time. I will never forget this.
these little boys were very good i went to see the performance. they looked nice in the tuxedos
The Mabry Midwest clinic was something I will remeber for the rest of my life. It was great working so hard on our songs and after performing I felt great. I also learned alot about bands from all over the world! Thanks to everyone who helped out, especially Mr.Welborn, Ms.Lemmick, and Mr.Watkins. SAXOPHONES ROCK!
Going to Chicago was one of the BEST experiences of my life. It was truly amazing. While in Chicago, so many great things happened. I had a blast. But more importantly, I learned that working together is crucial to being (as Mr. Watkins says) a team. I also learned that music really does make the world go 'round. Thank you to everyone. Especially, Mr. Welborn, Ms. Lemmick, and each and EVERY one of my fellow band students. You guys are AMAZING. I will never forget any of my band experiences. MABRY BAND RULES!
The trip was amazing.... It was really a trip I will never forget.
Going to Chicago for the Midewest Clinic was an amazing experience in and of itself. Before we went, we practiced a ton, but it really payed off. Without Mr. Welborn, Ms. Lemmick and every single one of our band members, we never would have sounded as spectacular as we did. The Chicago Trip is one I will never forget. To see how other badns play in comparison to us is amazing. I believe we played beyond our years in the music world. I'm proud to say we are the 2007-2008 Mabry 8th Grade Band! [ha go french horns!]