Several members of the Albert Lea High School Bands were recognized for their outstanding musicianship during the 2013-14 school year.

According to Suzanne Mauer, director of bands, these talented students represented the ALHS music program with pride and have shown dedication, commitment and excellence in their activities.

Senior Tyler Egge, junior Marcus Enomoto and sophomore Abby Sencio attended the St. Olaf Band Festival in November.  They rehearsed throughout the day and had an afternoon concert with top students from many area schools.

The Southeast Minnesota Band Directors Association held an honor band in Rochester in January.  Attendees from Albert Lea included sophomores Sam Ware and Kayla Overland, freshman Katie Boettcher and eight graders Natalie Day, Josh Englin and Olivia Stensrud.

Junior Anna Englin was selected to attend the Dorian Honor Band at Luther College (Decorah, Iowa) in March.  It was a two-day festival and includes an individual lesson with one of the music professors.

Englin also received a best-in-site honor for her alto saxophone solo at the regional Solo and Ensemble Contest in January, and was named an alternate to the 2014-15 All-State Jazz Band. Sam Ware, who also auditioned for All-State, was chosen for the Symphonic Band.

Several students were part of the Big Nine Music Festival Select Band and Orchestra on May 2.  They included seniors Kailie Drescher, Sydney Rehnelt, Zach Lind, Isaac Ware, Larry Holcomb and Egge, juniors Nicole Borneman, Anna Englin, Emma Stensrud, and Enomoto, and sophomores Emma Tewes and Sam Ware.

At the final concert of the year, Egge received the John Phillip Sousa award, which is given to an outstanding senior in recognition for their dedication to the ensemble.  Isaac Ware received the Louis Armstrong Jazz Award for his contributions to the ALHS Jazz Bands over the years.