Two Reynoldsburg High School students were selected to perform at a recent conference attended by music educators from across Ohio.
Jaleea Gamble and Bobby Sheridan were part of the Ohio Music Education Association All-State Band that included 90 of the best high school musicians. The performance was held during OMEA’s Professional Development Conference in Columbus. Both students submitted a video audition to be considered for the honor.
“Being selected for All-State was surreal for me,” according to Jaleea. “When I first read of my acceptance I was overjoyed and couldn't believe it. The feeling of something tangible coming from my hard work paying off was indescribable. It felt fantastic and I was very grateful for everyone that had helped me get to where I am.”
For Bobby, it was his second year participating in the event and he was looking forward to working with the guest conductor.
“Many times, whoever’s hosting the event has a guest conductor come in to give fresh perspectives and new ideas on music to all of us. For this event, we got to work with Jack Stamp who’s not only a band director but also a composer of 30+ pieces for all kinds of instrumentation,” Bobby said.
Both enjoyed their experience.
“My favorite part was getting to know the people I met,” according to Bobby.
“The best part of the experience was being surrounded by such a talented group of individuals,” Jaleea said.
Jaleea plays the oboe and Bobby is a trombone player. Their band director, Jason Gibson, says both are great representatives of the students in Reynoldsburg City Schools music programs.
“Jaleea and Bobby are both very talented, but it is the skill they have worked countless hours to build that impresses me the most. The time and effort they put into their craft should be what is celebrated, because talent alone does not earn the high honors that both of these wonderful students have earned,” Mr. Gibson said.