Members of Moffat County High School’s band program have made some beautiful music in the past week.

MCHS sent five band students recently to the District 8 Honor Band program, a two-day event that culminated in a concert performance Saturday in Glenwood Springs.

Moffat County Band Director Lia Arnold said students had to submit a recording of a prepared piece of music, which was judged by other band directors in the district that includes 18 schools along the Western Slope. The final lineup of performers featured 62 students.

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Arnold’s woodwind and brass sections were particularly well-represented. Clarinetists Hannah Kilpatrick, Shane Del Toro and Moriah Hodnefield, all juniors, made the cut for the Honor Band, as did two trumpeters, sophomore Caleb Crumpton and freshman Jesse Terry.

Students rehearsed and performed four songs under the direction of Dr. Jonathan Hinkle, director of bands at Colorado Mesa University.

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“I am incredibly proud of all who auditioned, and I am thankful I had the opportunity to take Hannah, Shane, Moriah, Jesse and Caleb to this amazing event,” Arnold said. “They made so much progress in a very short time and put on a fantastic concert. I can’t wait to take even more students next year.”

Arnold said Kilpatrick in particular shone in her audition and was selected by judges for first chair in her section, making her the top clarinetist in the district.

Kilpatrick also had a small solo during the show and enjoyed the larger ensemble feel.

“It’s nice to play in a lot bigger band with more instruments,” Kilpatrick said. “We were playing with people who were really into the music and wanted to put on a good performance.”