David McGee, a sixth-grader at First Presbyterian Christian Academy, recently performed with the Middle School Honor Band for the Georgia Music Educators Association’s first district.
According to FPCA Principal Shannon Hickey, McGee was named to the prestigious ensemble after undergoing a “competitive” audition process.
“It’s a big deal,” Hickey said, noting that the GMEA’s first district includes Long, Liberty, Bryan, Chatham and Effingham counties. “Him being a sixth-grader and placing in the group is huge.”
According to the GMEA’s website, the first district also encompasses McIntosh, Screven, Bulloch, Jenkins, Candler, Evans, Tattnall, Toombs, Treutlen and Montgomery counties.
Sixth-, seventh- and eighth-grade students from those districts audition throughout December for a slot in the Honor Band. Those who make the cut gather for just a few days to rehearse music they have never seen before holding a public concert, Hickey said.
The event was held Feb. 4-6 at Armstrong State University.
Hickey said that McGee is only in his second year playing the alto saxophone, which, combined with his age, makes the accomplishment that much more impressive.
“It’s very unusual for a sixth-grader to make it into that ensemble,” she said. “The FPCA family is very proud of David’s involvement in this event.”