Austin High School is starting off the school year on a high note, as its wind ensemble was one of three bands statewide that was selected to perform at the Minnesota Music Educators Association conference this February.

Director Christoph Dundas in mid-August submitted two audition pieces that the ensemble had performed last year to MMEA for consideration.

Dundas, now in his third year of directing the high school bands, was stunned but elated by the news.

The opportunity to perform at the conference was considered to be highly selective and competitive. Aside from Edina and Orono High School bands that were performing at the conference, Austin High School was the only Greater Minnesota school district that was chosen to play.

“I’ve always been impressed with those who performed at MMEA,” Dundas said. “Wind ensemble is a very strong band, and it’s stronger each year.”

Dundas revealed the news to his students, and was met with with excitement from the 46 students who made up the wind ensemble: majority juniors and seniors, and seven sophomores who all auditioned for a seat in the band.

“I was using a slideshow that showed who made the list,” he said. “When Austin High School wind ensemble popped up, they really excited and some jumped out of their seats.”

One of those students was Josh Belden, a senior trombone player who had been in band since the sixth grade. He recalled the shock and ecstasy he and his classmates had displayed when told about the opportunity.

“I really surprised, but really excited and proud that we accomplished something this big,” Belden said. “Dundas never told us that he was going to enter a few song recordings into the running. Once he told us, I knew we would get in because we have a solid band. We have good players in each of our sections.”

The wind ensemble will perform at the Minneapolis Convention Center ballroom on Feb. 14, tentatively scheduled for 1 p.m. during a conference that brings school music teachers statewide together for a three-day clinic that encompasses teaching techniques, technology and of course, the performances.

A bright future for music at APS

This wasn’t the first time that several music groups had been asked to play at the MMEA. Dundas recalled that the high school choir had made multiple trips and the orchestra had also been selected to play in 2014.

“Austin’s music program is strong,” he said. “Looking at the program and the community support, they have shown that support but also expectation that our groups are strong and will be strong. You can’t have support without expectation, and expectation without support.”

The future looked bright for APS’ music department. A $11 million project for an expansion and renovation on the high school annex for the school’s music programs as well as the MacPhail Center for Music that was slated for 2019. Dundas reflected on the project, which was fostered from a feasibility study done several years ago to gauge the level of interest in music instruction with MacPhail, which found that many people wanted MacPhail to have some association with APS. A partnership was created and currently helps APS with different projects.

“With the addition, it recognizes that the music program is strong,” Dundas said. “The band is strong and is stronger every year. We’re building on successes, and we’ll continue to do so. It’s a good sign of future success.”

For Belden, he’s excited to be performing at the state conference with his classmates and showing the rest of Minnesota what Austin can do on a larger stage.

“I’m looking forward to performing,” he said. “We’re looking forward to performing in front of bigger musical names from around the state.”