Buckhannon, WV & Huntington, WV – In November, students from Van Devender Middle School achieved outstanding honors by participating in two of West Virginia’s most prestigious middle school band events.
From November 17 to 19, 7th-grade trombone player Sophia McVay represented Van Devender Middle School at the 2024 North Central West Virginia Honor Band, held at West Virginia Wesleyan College in Buckhannon, WV. This annual event continues to grow as one of the most prominent honor bands for middle and high school students in the state. With over 110 nominations and only 60 students accepted, McVay’s selection was a tremendous achievement.
The event brought together music educators from across the nation, with a middle school conductor hailing from Las Vegas and a high school clinician from Illinois. Over three days, students engaged in intensive rehearsals that culminated in a remarkable performance on Tuesday, November 19, at 4:00 PM. Pictured at the event are Sophia McVay (left) and Van Devender Band Director Doug Torres (right).
Following this success, on November 22, Van Devender Middle School proudly sent six students to the 2024 Marshall Middle School Honor Band in Huntington, WV. This one-day event is one of the few middle school honor bands in the state, attracting talented young musicians from across West Virginia. Students rehearsed for approximately five hours before performing a concert at 7:00 PM.
The Van Devender students selected for this honor were:
Sophia McVay – Trombone
Lilyanna Chamberlin – Alto Saxophone
Riley Martino – Clarinet
Aaron Russell – Alto Saxophone
Issac Tingler – Trumpet
Mason Chamberlin – Percussion
These talented students joined peers from other Wood County middle schools, including Hamilton, Jackson, Edison, and Blennerhassett, showcasing their dedication and musical talent.
Van Devender Band Director Doug Torres expressed pride in the students’ achievements. “These students work so hard, and I just wanted to see their hard work shown to everyone,” Torres shared. “This is a tremendous honor and is becoming one of the best events for middle and high schoolers in the state!”
The Van Devender students, along with their peers, not only honed their musical skills under the guidance of some of the best music educators in the state but also had the opportunity to collaborate and perform alongside fellow young musicians. Their hard work and dedication continue to highlight the strength of Van Devender Middle School’s music program.
Congratulations to these outstanding students and to Band Director Doug Torres for their continued success and representation of Wood County Schools at such high levels!