2024 WVMEA

X-ENSEMBLE

WVMEA X-Ensemble Applications are now CLOSED for the 2024 WVMEA Annual In-Service Conference to be held FEBRUARY 29 - MARCH 2, 2024, at the Charleston Coliseum and Convention Center in Charleston, WV.

To apply, the music director must be a current, active member of NAfME at the time of submission and at the time of the conference; ensembles may not appear on the WVMEA Conference program in successive programs; ensembles may submit recordings for either traditional honor ensemble or X honor ensemble, but not both, but not both; Elementary, Middle and High school ensembles are encouraged to submit a recording; an X Ensemble must have 4 or more performers and be able to perform within the space of a 36'x24' stage.

A completed honor ensemble application must include all of the following components:
  1.  completed application
  2. links to 3 three recordings
  3. copy of setlist from a recent performance
  4. list of potential repertoire to be performed if selected. (Repertoire for the X-Ensemble performance at the conference must be approved by the WVMEA executive board.)
  5. 50-word professional biography and an electronic headshot of the director (to be included in the conference program if selected).
  6. $50 application fee, submitted at the time of application, which will be used to supplement the WVMEA scholarship fund. A receipt will be sent to the applicant.
  7. The director's current NAfME membership number. Membership must be current/active at the time of application and conference.
All applications must be submitted by January 26, 2024 at 9 PM. Directors will receive electronic confirmation of receipt. Questions may be submitted via email to Honor Ensemble Chair Jamie Hasley at jhasley@k12.wv.us.

Please read the full listing of application information thoroughly at the link above before submitting an application.

2024 X-Ensembles

John Marshall High School Percussion Ensemble

John Marshall High School Percussion Ensemble
Directed by Tracey Filben
Tracey Filben is a 1996 Cum Laude graduate of West Liberty State College with a degree in music education. She obtained her master’s degree in Secondary Education from Marshall University in 2008. Ms. Filben has taught in Marshall County Schools since 1997, serving as the Director of Bands at John Marshall High School since 2003. She also served as the Theatre Director from 2013 - 2021. She has served as the Region I Band Festival Chair & Coordinator since 2003 and the WV All State Band Chair since 2010.

Sherrard Middle School Steel Band

Sherrard Middle School Steel Band
Directed by Joshua Garrett
Joshua Garrett is a music educator, performing artist, composer, and music arranger from Wheeling, WV. His original steel band compositions, "Let the Air In", "Fiesta de Sueños", "Distractions", and "Very Much (A Lot)" have been published and are available for purchase on www.tapspace.com. Joshua graduated from West Liberty University (WLU) in 2014 with a Bachelor’s of Music in Percussion Performance. After graduating, Joshua was employed by Carnival Cruise Line as a Rock Band Drummer/Music Manager from 2015 – 2018, where he performed on multiple ships while touring throughout the Caribbean. Joshua returned to WLU in 2019 to pursue a Bachelors of Arts in Music Education, and graduated in 2021. He is currently the Director of Bands at Sherrard Middle School and Percussion Instructor at John Marshall High School in Marshall County, WV.

University High School Percussion Ensemble

University High School Percussion Ensemble
Directed by Corey Orban
Corey Orban has served as Assistant Director of Bands at University High School since 2018. Mr. Orban has directed, instructed, and arranged for several concert and marching percussion ensembles from middle school to the collegiate level. Under his direction, the UHS Percussion Ensemble has received several awards – including previous WVMEA Honor X-Ensemble recognition in 2020. Mr. Orban is a member of the Vic Firth Education Team.
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