Bishop Ireton High School in Alexandria offers a comprehensive band program that provides students with a unique experience. The band is directed by Melinda McKenzie Hall and Dan Kosko, who encourage anyone who played an instrument in middle school to join.
The pep band and jazz band are two extra ensembles that play for the school community. The pep band played for the homecoming football game in the fall and the jazz ensemble performed for the residents of the Sunrise Senior Living Center in Old Town, Alexandria.
The band program also boasts the symphonic wind ensemble, an honors level course that requires an audition. Prior to the outbreak of COVID-19, the wind ensemble traditionally toured Europe every Easter break, and has commissioned works by many well-known composers. In spring 2019, the band traveled to Germany and in the fall of 2019, Ireton hosted an exchange concert with the members of the German Band, Blasorchester Heustreu, from the northern part of Bavaria.
Though COVID-19 presented many challenges, students were able to do virtual performances and even enjoyed a lecture from internationally renowned composer Mark Camphouse via Zoom. Because international travel is on hiatus, the music department is preparing for a spring break trip to Universal Studios Orlando with a workshop at the University of Southern Florida. The group hopes to resume its international tours in 2023.
Making up for lost time, the Symphonic Wind Ensemble has had a busy year. The group had the opportunity to work with Col. Donald Schofield, commander of the U.S. Air Force Band. Sixteen students and two alternates auditioned for and were accepted in the District 10 All-District Band.
March 4, the symphonic wind ensemble performed at the District 10 Band assessment at Hayfield Secondary School and received the highest marks. This was the first time Ireton attended this Virginia Band and Orchestra Director’s Association event.
“I wanted to take a moment and reach out to you and your students, congratulating them on such a wonderful performance this weekend at District 10’s VBODA Concert Band Assessment,” wrote one adjudicator. “I was delighted to hear the ways you were able to stretch the band through many musical moments that I truly feel were not displayed by most in the district. Your students’ musicality was indeed superior throughout the performance! It was a humbling experience to enjoy. My hat goes off to you and the band students of Bishop Ireton.”
This is a testament to the many talented musicians at Ireton and the dedicated parents and teachers that make the program strong.
The impact that music has on Ireton students is seen throughout the school. “Creating music is a wonderful and meaningful experience unlike anything else we can do in high school,” said Aidan McNerney, a junior in the wind ensemble. “Music is an extraordinary subject that brings people together during the best and worst of times, and Ireton’s music program is no exception.
