Debolt earns top spot in OMEA All-State Band
Debolt
Indian Valley High School sophomore Jaxson Debolt has earned a spot in the top honors band in the state, the OMEA All-State Band.
Debolt is in honors classes and plays the baritone saxophone in both concert and marching band at Indian Valley.
At the end of his freshman year, Debolt started practicing the college-level audition music on an older baritone saxophone with several inaccuracy flaws. Thanks to community donations and a matching gift from LOFT, a new bari sax was purchased in March. Debolt had about two weeks to practice on the new bari sax before he submitted his audition to OMEA.
IVHS Band Director Dan Lenzer said, “This would be like a race car driver getting a new, upgraded car days before a big race.”
He submitted his audition recordings in spring and found out at the beginning of September he had been selected. Hundreds of students from all over Ohio audition for this ensemble, but only a few are chosen. Debolt is the first student from Indian Valley to be selected to join the OMEA All-State Band.
Once Debolt receives his music, he will practice and memorize it before the OMEA Conference at Cleveland State University Feb. 5-8. He will rehearse with many of the country’s top educators, directors and composers during this program. He will then get to perform with Ohio’s best high school musicians at the Huntington Convention Center of Cleveland.
“This is an incredible opportunity that Jaxson has earned,” Lenzer said. “Through his sheer tenacity and hard work, he’s reaping real rewards from his perseverance.”
To support Debolt and his family with travel and lodging expenses, IV Music Boosters are accepting donations. Visit www.ivmusicboosters.org.