Kauffman represents SSHS for fourth year in All-Star Ensemble

MISSOULA – Seeley-Swan High School trombone player Jayla Kauffman returned for her fourth year with the University of Montana High School All-Star Band Nov. 8-10. While this experience was very similar to her past experiences, it confirmed her desire to play in a marching band and concert band in college.

Each year, the University of Montana hosts the All-Star Silver and Maroon Wind Ensemble, a musical experience for high school students participating in band and orchestra. High school students from the western side of the country and parts of Canada are chosen to attend the ensemble each year.

SSHS Music Directory Sandra Abbott nominated Kauffman her senior year. While every other year she has had someone else to attend with her, she is only one of two students in the band this year.

"I nominated Jayla because she is such a talented musician and I knew it was a great opportunity for her to interact with other talented musicians from many different schools," wrote Abbott in an email. "It gave her the opportunity to learn from university professors. It also exposed her to performing with the University of Montana marching band at the pre-game show for a football game and the challenge to learn and perform some difficult concert band music."

Kauffman practiced the six pieces for the past three weeks during band class. The ensemble started practicing Friday, practiced most of the day Saturday and Sunday morning before the afternoon concert.

This year, the All-Star ensembles played with the Grizzly Marching Band during the pre-game on Saturday.

"Since we don't have one here, it gave me an opportunity to be out on the field and know what they are doing," said Kauffman who looks forward to joining a marching band in college.

Brian Balmages was the guest conductor and composer for the All-Star Maroon ensemble. The group performed three pieces, one of which Blamages wrote entitled "Breaking Point." Kauffman said it was a very emotional piece for Balmages because it reflected his feelings through his father's sickness and when his dad died.

"He wanted to make sure everything was perfect because it was his piece," said Kauffman.

Kauffman said it was fun to be a part of a larger band because the attention isn't just on you.

"It was just nice to have the opportunity to play with more people that are really passionate about music. [Playing] with a lot of people is something I can't get here," said Kauffman. "It gives you the experience of playing with a big band so when you go to college you know if that is something you want to do."