Five Brownstown Central band members participated in the Indiana Bandmasters Association’s 2021 Southeast All-Region Honor Band on Nov. 13 and 14 at East Washington Middle School in Pekin.

The Brownstown Central High School freshman band members were Abigail Tovey on alto saxophone, Trevor Bohn on percussion/guitar and Cody Blackburn on tuba/electric bass.

The Brownstown Central Middle School band members were Jace Reaser on eighth grade euphonium and Keynan Prince on seventh grade tuba.

The event featured young musicians from 20 schools in the southeast region.

The concert program included Andy Clark’s “What Happens in Band Stays in Band,” James Ployhar’s “Sounds of Sousa,” Nancy Seward’s “Pride of the Regiment,” James Swearingen’s “Light of Dawn” and Hiram Powers’ “Homecoming Guide to Making Music.” The latter song featured EWMS Principal Amber King on blow dryer, Aleshia Shouse on vacuum and Phil Thomas on blender. A smoothie was even created and shared during the performance of this piece.

The concert also featured a world premiere of Johan de Meij’s “Los Cuatro Vientos,” which was commissioned by the Indiana Bandmasters Association.

Bill Laughlin was the guest conductor for the All-Region Honor Band. He earned degrees from Indiana Wesleyan and Ball State universities and has served on the state boards of the Indiana State School Music Association, Indiana Music Educators Association and Indiana Bandmasters Association. He retired as director of Paoli High School’s Pride of Paoli band program.

The bands at Brownstown Central middle and high schools are directed by Richard Branaman.