Marshall Democrat-News: Local News: Pace racks up more honors in music (02/05/10)

Brandon Pace
(Sydney Stonner/Democrat-News)

Marshall High School junior Brandon Pace has received yet another musical honor this school year, after already being selected as a clarinetist in Missouri All-State Band and a bass in Missouri All-State Choir.

Now, Pace has been selected to participate in Music for All's 2010 Honor Band of America, which will perform at the Music for All National Festival in Indianapolis, Ind., on Saturday, March 6. Works on the program include "Weiner Philharmoniker Fanfare" by Richard Strauss, "Short Ride in a Fast Machine" by John Adams and "Suite from 'Mass'" by Leonard Bernstein.

According to a press release, Pace was chosen from hundreds of applicants to participate in the ensemble. Band members were picked from across the nation by recorded auditions.

Pace is the son of Mike and Janice Pace of Marshall.

His band director at MHS is Kate Koffman. Pace also participates in orchestra, choir and drama at MHS.

He is a member of Marshall Philharmonic Orchestra, Marshall Community Chorus and Marshall Municipal Band and will participate in an honor choir at the Southwestern Division of the American Choral Directors Association in Denver this spring.

Every time someone complains about the record of our football, basketball, etc. team, I tell them to look at the many other programs at MHS that are kicking butt, like band, orchestra, choir, academics, forensics, etc. This young man is a great example of that. Hats off to him and to Mrs. Koffman as well! Keep up the great work and keep providing us with the news about our many great MHS students who are excelling in places oher than the playing field. GO OWLS!!

-- Posted by OldOwl on Mon, Feb 8, 2010, at 11:45 AM

Thanks for featuring a musician! It's hard work to make any honor band, much less a national one - congratulations, Brandon!

-- Posted by koeller77 on Mon, Feb 8, 2010, at 11:36 AM

Congrats Brandon! Well deserved honor. Have fun in Indianapolis and Denver.

-- Posted by Lilac on Sat, Feb 6, 2010, at 4:23 PM

Could this be Marshall's next Bob James?

-- Posted by Nonnymus on Sat, Feb 6, 2010, at 1:17 PM

Great job, Brandon! You, your parents, and your teachers all deserve a pat on the back! Keep up the good work!

-- Posted by oneofmany on Fri, Feb 5, 2010, at 10:34 PM

Brandon "Bean" ....Congratulations. Lots of people are proud of you. You have made good choices in your life.

-- Posted by Pasta on Fri, Feb 5, 2010, at 9:16 PM

This is a young man who is going places--literally! The skills he is aquiring now will serve him well all his life. Young musicians don't seem to get the recognition they deserve. Nor do his instructors at MHS. Congratulations, young man and those teaching him. GH

-- Posted by Gray hair on Fri, Feb 5, 2010, at 8:39 PM