Kyle Rice, a Sebastian River High School (SRHS) sophomore, achieved a remarkable feat by securing a position in the All-State Symphonic Band. During the audition process, Kyle, who was a rising 10th grader at the time, auditioned for the 10th/11th grade Symphonic Band.
His audition required meticulous preparation, including performances on the Snare Drum, Timpani, and Marimba, as well as the execution of 12 Major Scales on the Marimba. Additionally, he had to demonstrate his ability to sight-read on both Snare and Marimba, tackling approximately 12 to 16 measures of music with only 30 seconds of silent study time before performing. Eligibility for auditions was extended to students from middle and high school band programs across the state.
Kyle worked on this music all summer and auditioned in mid-September of 2023. The audition is audio recorded, and all the recordings are sent to an anonymous judge (typically a college professor or other professional) who listens to and ranks them.
Throughout the entire summer, the SRHS student dedicated himself to perfecting this music, and in mid-September, he auditioned. The audition process involved recording audio performances, with all recordings then sent to an impartial judge, typically a college professor or seasoned professional, who meticulously assessed and ranked each submission.
SRHS Associate Director of Bands and Director of Percussion Douglas Moser is Kyle’s private percussion teacher.
“The person in charge of coordinating the band determines how many of each instrument will be accepted. Only seven percussionists were chosen for the 9th and 10th Grade Band. We don’t know how many auditioned, but from my experience, probably somewhere in the neighborhood of 75 to 100 9th and 10th-grade percussionists competed for these seven spots. We learned that Kyle made it during the first week of November,” Moser told Sebastian Daily.
Moser is extremely proud of his student’s accomplishments.
“I am so incredibly proud of his work and achievement. Kyle is a very bright student, very dedicated and responsible, and has a great sense of humor. I am excited that he will get this very eye-opening and special experience this week in Tampa. These kinds of events bring memories that will last a lifetime,” Moser stated.
Accepted students gather in Tampa during the Florida Music Educators Professional Development Conference. This annual event draws music educators from across the state, providing them with opportunities to engage in educational sessions and witness performances by both invited ensembles and the accomplished All-State student groups.
“Kyle is my 3rd percussion student from Sebastian River High School to be accepted into the All-State Bands since I have been a teacher here. Previous students that made it are Tyler Wooley (class of 2018) and Samantha Byrnes (class of 2021),” Moser told Sebastian Daily.
The current edition of the conference is underway and will continue until January 13th; it is being hosted at the Tampa Convention Center and nearby hotels. Kyle’s schedule includes rehearsals with the 9/10 Band on Thursday, Friday, and Saturday mornings, culminating in a performance on Saturday afternoon. The concert will occur at 2:30 pm in Ballroom A of the Tampa Convention Center.
More information, as well as tickets for the concert, can be purchased here.