For AWHS junior Evey Bringolf, music has been a significant part of her life. After years of dedication and practice, her hard work paid off in a big way -- she was recently selected to be a part of the prestigious Ohio Music Education Association (OMEA) All-State Honors Band.
Evey’s musical journey began with three years of piano, followed by two years playing the baritone before she finally picked up the French horn.
“It was always my end goal to play French horn, but it’s not an instrument you can just pick up and play,” she explained. “I think it has a beautiful sound and in the music the horn part is often the ‘heroic’ part.”
Her natural talent, coupled with a lot of practice has made Evey a standout in the AWHS Symphonic Winds ensemble, where she holds first chair. She credits much of her success to guidance and encouragement from her longtime private instructor, Bernice Schwartz. It was Schwartz who motivated Evey to audition for the All-State Honors Band and helped her prepare the music.
The audition required Evey to submit recordings of selected musical pieces last spring. Then the waiting began. She eventually learned she was one of only seven French horn players selected statewide. When she received the news of her acceptance, she was both thrilled and surprised.
“I didn’t think I would get in as a junior. I only knew one other person who had been selected in the past,” she said.
In preparation for the performance, she and the other musicians practiced their parts independently before coming together for intensive rehearsals at the OMEA State Convention.
“We had two full-day rehearsals, nearly 12 hours on one of the days. Then on Saturday, we had a quick rehearsal and then performed,” she explained.
The musicians prepared seven pieces, one of which, Of New Day Begun [Omar Thomas], stood out as a favorite. “It’s a long and meaningful piece with a rich backstory. It was incredible to hear it all come together.”
Balancing her responsibilities at the Convention was no small feat. She was also performing with AWHS Symphonic Winds, which kept her running between rehearsals. Even with the intense rehearsal and performance schedule, Evey found the experience rewarding.
“The best part was playing and spending time with other dedicated musicians. When you play with others who perform at this level, it just makes you a better musician.”
She also gained new insights into music and performance through the event’s director. “He offered lots of insight about being a musician, shared articles for us to read, and recommended pieces to listen to and discuss. He gave us ideas to expand our skills and musicality.”
Reflecting on the experience, Evey encourages other students to take the leap and audition.
“It may seem like a lot of work, and it is—but the rewards you get are greater than the effort.”
AWHS Band Director Roy Young praised Evey’s accomplishment, noting, “Less than 100 students statewide are chosen, so it’s a big honor for her to be selected. She has participated in several honors bands and is a part of the Toledo Youth Orchestra. She is a very involved and talented musician.”
Evey’s achievement continues AWHS’s strong tradition of musical excellence, with 15 instrumental music students selected for All-State since 2009.