GMS band student makes history
School's first to make all-state
By SCOTT POWELL Ledger Staff Writer spowell@gaffneyledger.com

Gaffney Middle School band student Will Harder practices for his March performance in the South Carolina All-State band at Furman University.

Gaffney Middle School trumpet player Will Harder has been selected to perform with the all-state junior band next month.

Harper, an eighth grader, will participate in an allstate music clinic March 14- 16 at Furman University in Greenville. Nationally known directors will direct the state's middle and high school students in learning challenging music for a concert on the final day.

The concerts will be held March 16 at 1:30 p.m. in McAllister Auditorium at Furman University. There is no charge for admission.

"Will is the first student from Gaffney Middle to be selected to the all-state band," Gaffney Middle School Band Director Francis Norris said. "It is a prestigious honor. He is one of only 16 trumpet players statewide who will play in the all-state band."

Harder began the all-state selection process when he auditioned for the region band Jan. 12 at Dutch Fork High School in Columbia. He was required to play a solo, sight-read a new musical piece and play multiple musical scales in the presence of judges.

He was among students from the state's five regions invited for a second audition Jan. 26 at Lexington High School. From the region audition, judges selected 60 students to participate in the junior all-state band.

Harder got to perform with the Gaffney High Band of Gold marching band this fall.

He is looking forward to his appearance with the allstate band.

"I was excited when I found out," Harder said. "It was a lot of hard work. I have been playing since the fifth grade. I heard one of my friends playing the trumpet. I decided I needed to join the band."