By Linda Lou
UNION-TRIBUNE STAFF WRITER
March 8, 2007
SAN MARCOS – Band teacher Charles McGhee spoke candidly to his advanced band students during a recent rehearsal at San Elijo Middle School.
After listening to them play “Nightsong” during band class, McGhee stopped conducting and turned to the low-brass players sitting before him. “You’re what creates the sound and the mood of the band,” he said. “We’re all indebted to you, but now’s the time to work.”
Lately, McGhee has been fine-tuning the school’s wind ensemble for two festivals. Students will perform today at El Camino High School in Oceanside and again March 22 in Murrieta at the Southern California School Band & Orchestra Association’s festivals.
“Everything’s under the microscope,” McGhee said. “It makes me meticulous.”
Bands from San Marcos Middle, Woodland Park Middle, Mission Hills High and San Marcos High schools are also performing at the festivals.
Last year, San Elijo’s concert band received unanimous superior ratings – the highest possible score – from the judges. This year, students said, they hope to sound even better and get more compliments. Read the Entire UT Article
