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POLK COUNTY—Polk County Middle School’s band program is celebrating unprecedented success, with a record number of students selected for prestigious honor bands.

The program, under the leadership of Dr. Christopher Wilson, achieved its highest-ever participation in the Foothills Middle School Honor Band, with 28 students selected from more than 50 nominations — a significant increase from 20 nominations the previous year.

In another milestone, five students earned spots in the Western Bandmasters All-District Middle School Honor Band, marking a dramatic improvement from last year when no students were accepted. Among the standouts, seventh-grade student Joselyn Gonzalez earned first chair in mallets for the district, qualifying her for North Carolina Middle School Honor Band auditions.

The school’s Concert Band and Symphonic Band both demonstrated exceptional achievement. In the Concert Band, placements included Zoey Conner (20th Chair, Clarinet) and Riley Casturao (9th Chair, Trumpet). Several students earned alternate positions, including Eva Baker and Carah Crist (Flute), Kaylee Cooper (Saxophone), Rosie Wilson (Bass Clarinet), Rin Smith (Horn), Melody Welty (Trombone) and Jasper Mathews (Percussion).

The Symphonic Band secured notable placements with Sparrow Cantrel (18th Chair, Clarinet) and Hudson Tyler (3rd Chair, Percussion) alongside Gonzalez’s first-chair mallet position.

Dr. Wilson praised all students for their dedication and resilience, noting the competitive nature of these auditions and the program’s progress. Alternates were commended for their readiness to step in if opportunities arise.