Four area youth have been selected for the 2018 Colorado All State Philharmonic Orchestra. Jack Ferguson and Reed Merchant, both double bass players from Bayfield High, join Rebecca Bowers, violin, and Ben DeBelina, double bass, from Durango High School in sharing this prestigious honor. Bowers, DeBelina, and Ferguson are also members of the San Juan Symphony Youth Orchestra, while Ferguson contributes his skills to the BHS Concert and Jazz ensembles as well. Merchant is part of the concert band, where he plays baritone horn, choir, and orchestra programs.
Reed Merchant is a "dynamic musician" who "is developing into a triple musical talent with his participation in choir, band and orchestra," said Lech Usinowicz, the BHS orchestra director, SJSYO Director and Be FRANK Foundation Executive Director.
"Reed Merchant is quite simply one of the most dedicated and hard working musicians I've ever had in this program," added BHS choir and instrumental music director Derek Smith. "Every day, he takes home that monster bass to practice, along with a baritone from band. He sings constantly. This rehearsal happens after football practice and then heavy lifting at the gym, all while maintaining a high GPA."
Ferguson started playing bass in third grade with the first Be Frank Beginning Orchestra in Bayfield.
"He has been able to mature in his knowledge and understanding of the bass by participating in jazz studies at BHS and the San Juan Youth Symphony," Usinowicz said. "Jack sits second chair in the SJSYO behind a FLC senior bass player. Ever since he walked into our band and jazz band, his musicianship was among the best I've ever seen in a student."
Commenting on being the first orchestra students in Bayfield to achieve this honor, Merchant said, "We were just the first to decide to go for it."
Ferguson added, "there will be many more to come!" Multiple band and choir students from Bayfield have been selected for state bands and choirs.
The All State Orchestra process starts at the beginning of the school year when students receive the scales and excerpts they need to prepare to audition. Students must be self-motivated to practice because the audition pieces are not part of class rehearsals, explained Rusty-Alex Charpentier, DHS orchestra director. Students record and submit their audition, consisting of five to ten minutes of challenging music including major, minor and chromatic scales; two excerpts from the orchestral repertoire; and a solo piece of their choice.
"Having students make it into the Colorado All State Orchestra is a great honor for our orchestra programs and our entire Four Corners community," Charpentier said. "It's a joy to get to work with such talented students on a regular basis in my classroom. Ben DeBelina has a great appreciation for all types of music and frequently clues me in to cool music that I haven't even heard of! I think that his strengths as a musician come from his thoughtful listening skills and inquisitive attitude."
Of his violinist, Charpentier said, "Rebecca Bowers is an absolute powerhouse on the violin! Her tone and facility have a huge impact on audiences. It's wonderful to see such extraordinary talent paired with a humble and positive attitude."
The orchestra will practice and perform Feb. 8-10 at Colorado State University.
