MINT HILL, NC – Queen’s Grant High School is proud to announce that a number of its music students recently auditioned and applied for various regional music ensembles.
Three students were nominated for and accepted into the Mars Hill University Honor Band, an invitational event that brings the best high school musicians from across the region together for a weekend of music making and community. From January 27-28, Sophomore Bass Clarinet Nathan Verret, Sophomore Bass Clarinet Payton Fuge and Senior Trombone Micah Burkheimer will have the opportunity to interact with MHU music education students and attend pull out sectionals and lessons with MHU faculty as well as masterclasses. Selected senior students will also be eligible for consideration for MHU music admissions and scholarships.
“I couldn’t be more proud of the achievements of these three guys as they work very hard to be great players and to lead the QG ensembles from the ‘inside,’ versus my being on the podium,” shared QGHS Director of Music Ensembles Chad Turner. “They are all amazing young men and incredible musicians that truly enjoy playing their instruments and affecting others through their gift.”
Three QGHS music students also recently auditioned for the South Central District Band Directors Association clinic bands at Porter Ridge High School. Nathan Verret scored high enough to make the 9/10 High School Ensemble; his score and seating placement also allows him to audition for the North Carolina All State Honors Band in May. Verret’s achievement also marks a first in the history of the Queens Grant High School Music Department!
For the second year in a row, Verret was also selected from hundreds of auditioness to participate in the UNCG Carolina Band Festival, which is hosted annually in conjunction with their Conductor’s Conference workshop. To be selected, Verret was required to send in video auditions for selection into the high school honor band that is held as part of the weekend’s festivities. The honor band is made up of students from across the southeastern United States.
“Nathan is such a quietly driven young man who loves playing bass clarinet and enjoys being able to rehearse with different students from all over the state,” remarked Turner. “He has had the opportunity to make music with students from all over the southeastern US through all the different ensembles, honor bands, and camps he has attended.”
Queen’s Grant is also proud to announce that Senior Micah Burkheimer has been accepted into the Music Therapy program at Queens University. The acceptance marks the culmination of a dream for Burkheimer, who spoke to The Mint Hill Times about his plan to study Music Therapy at Queen’s University when he was accepted to Governor’s School last year. ““Music therapy is my passion,” explains Burkheimer. “It’s not just music; it’s how music affects the brain. I just think it’s really cool, and it’s something I’ll be good at.”
“Micah has been an absolutely fabulous leader for the QGHS music department during my tenure here,” added Turner. “He has done everything he could to perform in any ensemble that a chance has presented itself for. He loves performing both with his peers at QG and with students from all over NC having attended NC Governor’s school last summer. His drive to be a great musician has been an inspiration for others around him to step up and that will only lead to more and better opportunities for him in the future.”
