Under the direction of band director Mike Trussell, 13 band students from Milford competed in the Cen-Tex Honor Band tryouts. Five of those students earned a seat.

“I really loved the experience of playing with a much larger band and with others who have a higher skill level than I do,” said Tapley Strange, tenth grader. “Some of the music really challenged me. I learned that I’m ready to tackle a tougher piece of music.” Tapley Strange, clarinet, earned the 11th seat in the Symphonic Band, the highest level.

Laura Harvey and Eric Johnson, also tenth graders, earned chairs in the Cen-Tex high school Concert band. Laura Harvey, clarinet, earned the 12th seat in the Concert Band along with another Milford band student, Eric Johnson, tuba, in fourth chair.

Heather Bledsue, seventh grader, and Rachel Strange, eighth grader, played against 40 other students in the central Texas area to gain a seat in the Junior High Honor Band. Rachel Strange took first chair flute and Heather Bledsue, trumpet, sat 12th chair in the Junior High Honor Band.

“Our band program has flourished under Mr. Trussell’s leadership,” stated Marilee Byrne, principal. “It wouldn’t surprise me to see one of our students make it to the state competition in the next year or two.”

Cen-Tex is a competition for small bands in the central Texas area. There are about 31 schools participating. The students from these three bands joined others in a music clinic ending with a concert on Saturday, January 31, 2009.