School News

Fenn musicians nearly swept the Junior District auditions on Feb. 1, with six of ten candidates accepted—a Fenn record—and all of the boys offering fine audition performances.

Three of those chosen for the Junior District honor band, orchestra, or jazz band gained very high placement, according to Instrumental Director Maeve Lien. Alexander Tung, who plays the trumpet, secured a first chair position in the jazz band and was also accepted highly rated in the concert band. Austin Kwoun, a violinist, was accepted as assistant concertmaster in the orchestra; he will be second chair, first violin. Peter Blau, who is a trombonist, was named to second chair in the jazz band. Placement is determined by the district.

Also accepted were Alan Zhang, second section clarinet; Johnny Xu, eleventh chair cello; and Jack Feeney, third chair trombonist concert band.

Charlie Hibben, who missed placing by one point, Eddie Uong, Mickey Feeney, and Samuel Pring did an excellent job of auditioning, says Ms. Lien, adding that all of the boys “did a great job in a high pressure situation. They were very courageous.”

The Junior District Band Festival takes place  Mar. 28-29 at Lincoln-Sudbury High School and features prestigious guest conductors working with the best young musicians from across Eastern Massachusetts.