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PT trio overcome jitters, will join band mates at honors festival
For the Observer-Reporter
newsroom@observer-reporter.com
For three members of the Peters Township High School band, auditioning for the PMEA Honors Band event was an experience that provided more nervousness than anticipated. Being selected, however, was worth the jitters.
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John Mackay
Age: 16
Year: Junior
Instrument: Euphonium, an upright instrument that resembles a tuba but is pitched an octave higher. He started out on trumpet in grade school.
He said it: "I was surprised that I made it because I was so nervous for my audition and I didn't think I did that well. I'm excited though. ... auditioning was a first-time experience for me. I got nervous and just kept telling myself 'you know this, you know this,' ... with music you learn how to be a leader and how to work hard for something. I know I have to practice every single day or I'm not going to get something right."
Private instruction: Began private lessons in January. "I have learned a lot about technique, tone and proper breathing. It all makes a huge difference in sound."
School activities: Wind symphony, concert band, jazz band, marching band and German club
Outside activities: River City Youth Brass Band. The group meets on Saturdays at Carnegie Mellon University.
Future plans: To attend Carnegie Mellon University and major in music education
Parents: John and Suzanne Mackay of McMurray
Jennifer Mikec
Age: 16
Year: Sophomore
Instrument: Clarinet; she has played since fourth grade.
Private instruction: She has been taking private lessons since 6th grade.
She said it: "When I found out I made Honors Band, I was surprised but happy. I knew I worked hard, but I had prepared myself for disappointment because I know there are a lot of people who don't make it the first time around. I think it will be a good experience to play with others at a higher level. It will be something new."
Activities: Concert band, science club and library club. Mikec also has been dancing since she was 3. She currently dances for and is involved with her church at South Hills Bible Chapel.
Future plans: "I'm not really sure. I might possibly like to do something with science or in the medical profession. I'd like to work with children.
Parents: Todd and Gretchen Mikec of Peters Township.
Michael Counihan
Age: 15
Year: Sophomore
Instrument: Trombone; he has been playing since fourth grade
He said it: "I'm excited to attend Honors Band to play more challenging music and meet more people. ... Music has been a good thing for me. All my friends are in the band. Without it, I really wouldn't have anything to do. I don't play sports and a third of my schedule during the school day involves band. It is a big part of my life."
Private instruction: He has been taking private lesson for two years and has improved tone and technique
School activities: Marching band, wind symphony, jazz band and German club
Outside activities: He plays in a church quintet at St. Louise DeMarillac Church.
Future plans: Nothing specific but definitely something involving music.
Parents: Michael and Caroline Counihan of Venetia
