Band members honored at Oakland U

Milford High School is a place where students can widen their horizons and become more talented and exceptional than ever before.

Austin Pike and Nicole Hinman have exceeded expectations by being honored at Oakland University for their superb performances with band throughout their high school career.

Oakland University Honors Band is a prestigious band, where only the best of performers from Oakland County are able to audition and make it within the first four chairs. That’s not a problem for Pike and Hinman. “It’s a competitive audition to get and I’m so overjoyed I was given the opportunity to perform with other amazing musicians,” said Pike.

Hinman and Pike have awaited their chance at being honored at Oakland University and their time finally came on Nov. 17 and 18.

Students from all over Oakland County auditioned for a chance to win a spot in the Oakland University Honors Band; hundreds auditioned and only around 100 people were chosen, but Pike and Hinman were accepted and humbled about getting this opportunity.

“I’ve been trying to get into this honors band since my sophomore year. I’ve had friends in the past who have went and they loved it, so to finally be accepted to this prestigious event was incredible,” said Hinman.

When Hinman was accepted and offered co-principal for her chair position she was ecstatic and fortunate, realizing how much she and her music have grown together throughout the years.

When Pike was accepted and when he auditioned for his chair position, he got first chair, which is an exceptional and a phenomenal experience.

Both students have been practicing music for years, just different types of music.

Pike plays the clarinet and has been for six years and has had many experiences playing for well-known bands such as a very distinguished arts camp at Interlochen, Michigan.

Hinman plays the alto-saxophone; she has also been playing for six years and has been in five honor bands but Oakland University Honors Band has been the biggest accomplishment for her yet.

“I’m incredibly proud and fortunate for them to be able to be in my class and be examples to their sections while showcasing great leadership,” said Band Director Katy McDiarmid.

People who want to audition for the Oakland Honors Band have three weeks to prepare and this includes challenging repertoires and excerpts that college students tend to get confused and frustrated with.

This almost immediately cuts the auditions by a third because some of the auditioners can’t perform the excerpts that are required to be accepted.

Both students have incredible capabilities, and both have been to Michigan School Band and Orchestra Association (MSBOA), which happens to be one of the best programs that the state of Michigan has to offer.

Pike received an almost perfect score on his MSBOA solo while Hinman received a perfect score on her solo.

“Both Austin and Nicole are incredibly dedicated to their craft and to the people in the ensembles with whom they play,” exclaimed McDiarmid. “They are both such strong musicians and so easy to work with – open to new ideas, hard working, and excellent leaders. I am honored to be their teacher!”

The future is undetermined but Hinman and Pike both plan on having music in their future and possibly will make a career out of it.

“I definitely see this in my future,” stated Pike. “I’ve worked really hard to be where I’m at right now and I wouldn’t trade it for the world.  While Hinman exclaimed, “I will possibly do this in the future it just depends, I will at least minor in it for college.”

Pike and Hinman have extraordinary capabilities and intriguing gifts to be able to play music fluently with few or no mistakes, but this isn’t without dedication and a minimum of 14 hours a week spent practicing with their instruments.

McDiarmid is a proud teacher and instructor and had a few words to say regarding her honored students.

“Austin has incredible technical playing abilities, superb clarinet tone, immense musicality, and a wealth of knowledge about music seldom seen in a high school student.¨ proclaimed McDiarmid. ¨He is able to tackle projects with ease that would stump many collegiate level clarinetists! Making MSBOA All-State Band is the highest achievement a high school musician can earn as well as the Oakland Honors Band, and I can only imagine the future successes he will achieve.”

McDiarmid also had glowing remarks about Hinman as well.

“Nicole plays with such a gorgeous saxophone sound that shines with ease amongst the entire ensemble. Her phrasing and style make every note she plays dance with life. She is an incredibly versatile musician, having been a featured soloist in not only Wind Ensemble, but also Marching Band and Jazz Band. She earned a perfect 50/50 on her solo at MSBOA last year and did wonderful at the Oakland Honors Band and I’m sure to continue to to be very successful,” stated McDiarmid.

As this year continues, McDiarmid said that the students while talented do bring her some pain.

“Sometimes my cheeks hurt from smiling when I think of all the good things they do, it’s a great problem to have,” said McDiarmid.