Thirteen students from Shepherd Middle School were selected, following a stringent audition process, to participate in the Illinois Music Educators District 2 Music Festival, conducted on Saturday, Nov. 14, at Augustana College in Rock Island. Pictured are (front, from left) Austin Beyer, Abbey Walker, Sam Welch, Joe Halm, (second row) Marissa Buinickas, Gillian Buendia, Becca Bornac, Miah Edwards Froisland, (back) Lindsey Kalis, Joanna Kalis, Abby Dominis, Joe Daebelliehn. Not pictured is Leighton Williams. The Shepherd Band students are instructed by Donna Martin. About 10,000 junior and senior high students will participate in similar events, to be held in nine geographic districts throughout the state. These festivals conclude with concerts presented by the district performing organizations under distinguished guest conductors. The 2009 guest conductor for the District 2 Junior Band was Bill Jastrow of Neuqua Valley High School in Naperville.
