2 Troy Middle School students make All-Illinois Junior Band

Noah Tarver and Niko Martinez, student musicians at Troy Middle School, were recently selected for the All-Illinois Junior Band.

Noah Tarver plays the horn and Niko plays the bassoon, according to a news release from Troy Community School District 30-C school. Both students are in the eighth grade.

The students in the All-Illinois Junior Band, including Noah and Niko, will perform together on Jan. 14 Jan.15, 2022, at the University of Illinois Krannert Center for the Performing Arts.

Barry L. Houser, clinical assistant professor in the School of Music and director of the Marching Illini at the University of Illinois, will be the guest conductor.

William Goetz, a band director at Troy Middle school, said in the release that Illinois students submitted recorded auditions. Only the top musicians are chosen, and he’s very happy Noah and Niko were selected, he said.

“We had several students take on the extra challenge of auditioning for the group this year,” Goetz said in the release, “and they all did really well. Just putting together an audition takes planning, problem solving, perseverance and dedication.”

For more information, about the All-Illinois Junior Band, visit aijb.org.

For more information about Troy Middle School, visit troy30c.org/tms.