Harrisonburg High School senior Chloe Starling was selected to represent Virginia at the National Honor Band of America at Butler University in Indianapolis, Indiana March 12-15. Starling played French horn in this national ensemble under the direction of Dr. Rodney Dorsey, Professor of Music at Florida State University and Conductor of the FSU Wind Orchestra. Starling is a French horn player in the HHS Symphonic Band and plays mellophone in the Rock City Regiment. She has been a part of band all throughout high school. To get into this group, she had to audition in a nationally open audition to get into this ensemble.
“I had Initially used this audition as a practice for my college auditions, I wasn’t too attached to getting in, but it was the best feeling ever getting the acceptance letter on Christmas Eve,” Starling said. “I feel really proud of myself that I got to do this while representing my school and Virginia and at the same time having a taste of what the professional music and education world looks like, as that is the path I am pursuing.”
Musicians who got accepted into this honor band traveled to Indianapolis, Indiana for an extended weekend of rehearsals and to experience new things. Starling specifically enjoyed the music they got to perform because it was challenging and unique.
“Making music amongst a high-caliber group was so inspiring. We were able to get past the notes and just play so quickly it made my heart melt,” Starling said. “Being a part of Dr. Dorsey’s teaching process was mind-blowing and so fun at the same time. I aspire to be able to teach like him one day.”
Besides the actual performance and rehearsals that go along with the Honor Band of America, students also get to experience other things like meeting new people. Starling especially liked getting to meet other musicians as well as bigger names in the world of music.
“My favorite part of the whole experience was the connections I made. I’m best friends with a horn player from Georgia and a euphonium player from Mississippi now just from our short time together,” Starling said. “I also got to meet and talk with Omar Thomas, so cool, he was so kind and excited for me when I mentioned I got into JMU and gave me the best life tips. Susan Smith, the wife of late composer Robert Smith, was also a really cool connection. She’s such a well-respected educator and advocate for music, just the coolest role model.”
Starling is grateful for this opportunity, and she hopes that this weekend in Indianapolis will help her future in music.
“This was truly life-changing and I feel so fortunate and in all that this is achievable,” Starling said.
