The Shepherdstown Middle School eighth-grade band has been named the 2015 Middle School Honor Concert Band. The title deems Shepherdstown Middle the best middle school concert band in the state.

On Feb. 8, the West Virginia Music Educators Association (WVMEA) selected the band to participate in the 2015 Middle School Honor Concert Ensemble after reviewing three recordings the group submitted.

As a part of this recognition, the band will perform an Honor Concert on Friday, March 13 at the Little Theater in the Charleston Civic Center in Charleston. Jefferson County Schools will cover lodging and travel expenses for the trip.

“I think its great we’re investing our time and money into the music program. I love that our students can enjoy this trip without worrying about the financial burden of getting there,” said interim superintendent Alan Sturm.

Receiving this honor is the highest award the state can bestow upon a musical group. This is the fifth consecutive year that Shepherdstown Middle has been distinguished with the honor.

Chad Conant, band director at Shepherdstown Middle School said, “I’m really proud of my students. They most certainly earned the title they were given,” she also added, “I’m looking forward to presenting these accomplished musicians in Charleston.”

The public is invited to listen to the award-winning band at the Shepherdstown Middle School Concert. The concert will be conducted in the Jefferson High School auditorium on Wednesday, April 22 at 7 p.m.

The Shepherdstown Middle School Band gratefully acknowledges the help and support they have received from band parents, the faculty, staff and PTO at Shepherdstown Middle. Ms. Rebecca Horn, Mr. William Kerlina, Mrs. Susan Wall, Mr. Alan Sturm and the Jefferson County Board of Education.

The band would like to thank Studio 105, Ellsworth Music, Progressive Printing, the Shepherdstown Rotary Club, Asbury United Methodist Church, Food Lion, Weis Market, Martins Food Market and Jane P. Snyder Youth Fund and Eastern West Virginia Community Foundation for their support.