Decatur flutist honored

— Ger Vang, an eighth grade flutist in the Decatur High School band, was named to the Junior High All-Region Band after auditioning at George Junior High in Springdale on Saturday.

Vang will be second chair on the first “honor” band, which essentially means he was the second best flutist in the region, according to band director Kristin Wages. Because the region is so large - encompassing nine counties - three regional bands are formed and rated first, second and third.

Vang competed against 124 flutists for the honor and the first and secondchair scores were very close, he said. Competitors were judged on sound, rhythm and musicality, Vang said.

“This is quite a remarkable accomplishment considering all of the schools in our region,” Wages said.

Vang has been playing the flute for two years but has always enjoyed music, he said.

He will have the opportunity to perform in the All Region clinic at Mountain Home High School this Friday and Saturday. Vang and the rest of the band will travel to Mountain Home, where they will rehearse all day Friday and Saturday morning. They will be giving a concert on Saturday afternoon.

News, Pages 16 on 12/08/2010