Eighth-grade Musical Honors
The following Principia eighth graders are now members of the prestigious 2021 St. Louis Metro District 8 Band:
• Carter Dannull (tuba)
• Avery Stewart (bass clarinet)
• Grace McCord (clarinet)
• Ethan Hoff (clarinet)
• Kinsey Quitter (clarinet)
• Sydney Hopkins (flute)
• Lauren Scott (alto saxophone)—District MS Jazz Band
This honor is reserved for a limited number of musicians from regional schools. Traditionally, students must audition. Due to pandemic restrictions, this year’s selection was made by director nominations. Principia’s Head Band Director Johnathan Daniels nominated Principia students who best met the musical requirements and also demonstrated Principia’s core values—including responsibility. He also considered each student’s individual focus on musical expression.
Competition for membership is substantial, consisting of students from all public and private schools in the St. Louis area, and there are a limited number of seats. Students compete within their instrument category. Depending on the instrument, there may be up to 90 students contending for one of only 15 chairs—or significantly fewer chairs for some instruments.
“This is a huge honor,” Daniels says. “We are so proud of these students.”
Customarily, earning a spot in the St. Louis Metro District 8 Band means students rehearse with other area students, culminating with a performance on Principia’s campus. These performances have drawn thousands of students and their families to the School’s campus through the years.
In accordance with health and safety guidelines, no rehearsals or performance will occur this year; however, the honor of earning a spot in the band remains intact. “These student leaders are part of an elite group of student-musicians in the area,” Daniels says. “They will continue to grow as musicians and embody what it looks like to be truly boundless.”