Monroe Public Schools has been acquiring many awards and honor for its music program. With the direction of Jim Nuechterlein, the Monroe High School Jazz Band has received a rating of one (This is the highest rating possible and the fifth one rating earned within six years) at the Michigan School Board and Orchestra Association’s State Jazz Festival (MSBOA).

Sophomore Nicholas Howerton also received a Division One rating in Proficiency 1 at MSBOA Solo and Ensemble Festival at Chelsea High School. Despite receiving the rating, Howerton knows there is more work to be done.

“It feels good but at the same time you know there are also lots of other people who are better than you and when you go to states, I only did proficiency one and you have proficiency two and three so I’m looking forward to getting to that level,” said Howerton.

Senior Kyle Henderson, member of the Jazz Band, was an Honorable Mention Soloist for his talent as a trombonist.

“Having the solo did help; mostly just practicing what notes to play and not to play during a solo kind of helped other than that I just go by how I feel,” said Henderson.

Henderson also has plans to continue band in college.

“I’m already signed up to be in the marching (band) for University of Toledo,” said Henderson.

Howerton also gave some tips on how to prepare for a festival.

“The only thing I could say is practice work on the sections you don’t know the most and get it to where you know it in your sleep. Keep working on it till the day, but get lots of rest before you go,” said Howerton.