The Hoover Symphonic Band gave an incredible performance Saturday at the annual Ohio Band Director’s Conference. The Quaker Square Inn Ballroom at the University of Akron was filled to capacity with a standing-room only crowd. 

The Hoover band was one of two high school bands selected to perform at the conference. Their program included four songs, one of which was written and directed by featured composer Robert Sheldonn. Shelton’s “Beyond the Higher Skies” brought out the mature musical talents of this group.

The following information about the composer was taken from robertshelton.com:

Robert Sheldon is one of the most performed composers of wind band music today. A recipient of numerous awards from the American School Band Director’s Association, Phi Beta Mu and the American Society of Composers, Authors and Publishers, his compositions embody a level of expression that resonates with ensembles and audiences alike. His music is performed around the world and appears on many international concert and contest lists. Mr. Sheldon regularly accepts commissions for new works, and produces numerous publications for concert band each year.

Sheldon’s schedule includes many appearances as guest conductor for All-State and Regional Honor Bands. He also frequently appears as a Music Education clinician, and has presented sessions and seminars at numerous colleges and universities as well as state Music Education Association conferences. He has served as a conductor and clinician throughout the United States, as well as Japan, Canada, Italy, Australia and The Republic of China, and has conducted performances of his works in New York’s Carnegie Hall, Chicago’s Orchestra Hall, Boston’s Symphony Hall and the Kennedy Center for the Performing Arts in Washington D.C. Mr. Sheldon is currently Concert Band Editor for Alfred Music Publishing.

Tom Pasquale (only a junior at Hoover!) was the featured soloist in “Second Concerto for Clarinet.” His talents are nothing less than extraordinary. The ease with which he played the clarinet cast a feeling of awe over the audience.

Band Director Ronald Varn is in his 13^th year as Director of Bands at Hoover High School and his 26^th year of teaching in North Canton City Schools. He remarked, “These kids have worked very hard and come a long way quickly. Just three weeks ago they were wearing their marching uniforms and playing marching music.”

The North Canton City School instrumental music program enrolls nearly 600 students in grades 5-12. The high school program involves 151 students and includes the marching band, two concert bands and two jazz bands. The Hoover Symphonic Band is a select performing ensemble, drawing members by audition from the total band enrollment.