Middle school and high school musicians sharpened their skills during the Honor Band Festival on Feb. 21 and 22 at Wright State University.

The festival included 220 participants from middle schools, high schools and band directors from around Ohio.

“It’s great to hear kids wanting to make music,” said Bill Jobert, senior lecturer in the Wright State School of Music, which hosted the festival.

Participants worked with two guest conductors, attended master classes given by Wright State faculty and performed a concert on the last day of the festival.

The weekend also included an opportunity for high school seniors to audition for acceptance into the School of Music. An Honor Band Scholarship to Wright State was awarded to Kaylie Bayless, a senior at Wilmington High School.

“I’m really excited to hopefully go to school here,” said Bayless.

In addition to hosting honor bands and festivals, the School of Music presents more than 100 concerts, recitals and master classes every academic year in Shuster Hall. Most of these events are free and open to the public. A complete list can be found on the School of Music website.