The 8th Grade Honors Band from Branson Junior High School was selected by audition to perform at the 88th annual Missouri Music Educators Association (MMEA) conference, held at Margaritaville Resort in Osage Beach on Friday, January 30, 2026.
This is the first time a band from the Junior High has been selected to appear at this prestigious conference, and is one of the top honors a band can receive in the state!
Some comments from the judging panel describing their anonymous audition tape included: "Incredible quality of sound."
"Strong and consistent."
"Great variety of literature with gutsy exposures."
"Students play with a great sensitivity."
John Kelly, Junior High Band Director, says, "We are so proud of all students involved in this endeavor, including last year's 8th graders who recorded the audition, and we can't wait for a spectacular performance in January!"