West Branch musicians join elite OSU, KSU orchestras

BELOIT – Three West Branch student musicians were selected to participate in elite musical performances in January. 

West Branch senior Makiah Kutz was one of 263 students selected to participate in the Ohio State University High School Honor Band Program. Over the two day event, Kutz worked with Christopher Hoch, the director of the OSU Marching Band, and received lessons in clarinet technique. Kutz also performed pieces such as “Burn,” by Roland Barrett and “Circus Days,” by Karl King.

West Branch freshmen Gavin Clay and Luke Dyke performed with the Kent State All Star Band. This event brought together young musicians from Ohio, Pennsylvania and Michigan. The musicians worked with KSU faculty and performed in a show. They performed selections including “Overture Jubiloso,” by Frank Erickson and “Blue Ridge Reel,” by Brian Balmages.

“Our students had a wonderful experience at Kent and OSU and I’m very glad to have such great music programs in our state,” said West Branch band director Lauren Stitle. “It is an honor to be in a select group, and I know they learned a lot from participating in it!”