Michael Pharr, John Pope, and Damon Norman participated in Tenth District Honor Band programs held in Augusta. Three members of the Washington Wilkes Tiger Band participated in the Tenth District Honor Band February 27 in Augusta.

Michael Pharr was selected as first chair trumpet and Damon Norman was selected second chair baritone in the ninth and tenth grade Honor Band. The guest clinician for this band was Robert Cowles who was named one of America’s Ten Best Band Directors in 1998 and was the Georgia Music Educators Association Outstanding Educator for that same year.

Tiger Band member John Pope was named first chair baritone saxophone in the eleventh and twelfth grade Honor Band. His guest clinician was Dr. Gregg Gausline who is the associate director of bands and assistant professor of conducting at the University of Georgia.

“All three students performed well and were great representatives of our school system,” said W-WCHS Director of Bands Jeff Thomas. “They competed for their chairs in December with hundreds of students across more than 10 counties. They are excellent examples of the fine musicians we have here in Wilkes County,” Thomas said.

Over the last four years, the band students have consistently earned the top spots in these prestigious groups.