DMS band takes 1st superior in Carbondale

On Saturday, April 9 the Du Quoin Middle School Band competed at the annual Illinois Grade School Music Association's organizational contest held at Carbondale Middle School.

The 75 member band received a 1st Superior rating.

They performed a selection of three pieces of contrasting styles. The band opened competition with a march entitled March to Bucking-ham Palace by Mekel Rogers.

Their second selection was a slower ballad titled A Childhood Hymn by David Holsinger.

Their final piece was a piece entitled Blue Ridge Reel by Brian Balmages.

The band has been working towards the contest since January. Their time and effort paid off on Saturday.

The first place superior rating is the highest rating that can be received in the competition, much to the credit of music students at the Du Quoin Middle School, the band parents and to Du Quoin Middle School band director Emily Plumlee, who came to the program after the retirement of Jon Montgomery.

The band's next performance is the annual spring concert on Sunday, May 1 at 2:00 p.m at Du Quoin High School. The DMS band will be performing along with the middle school beginning band and Du Quoin High School bands.