On Oct. 4, the Elkhorn North Band earned first place at the Capitol City Marching Band Championship for the first time in school history. Playing a crucial role in this victory was freshman Alyssa Formanes, who performed the spectacular clarinet solo, “Rhapsody in Blue.”
“It is one of the most famous clarinet solos in classical music, and professional clarinet players are expected to play this for orchestra auditions across the globe,” Band director Benjamin Petrmichl said. “It demands a lot of technical demand with extended techniques which makes it one of the hardest in orchestral literature.”
While most freshmen are not even allowed to try out for a solo until they are sophomores, Formanes was asked by Petrmichl himself to try out and ultimately perform a solo at multiple high-stakes band competitions.
“When I heard Alyssa perform this solo, I was blown away not only by her playing, but the fact that she was playing the solo this well as a freshman,” Petrmichl said.
Formanes’ instrumental excellence is not coincidental; she dedicates lots of time and effort into practicing and perfecting every note.
“Marching band demands a lot of time with early morning 7:00 AM rehearsals on Monday, Tuesday, Thursday, and Friday along with Tuesday night rehearsals from 6:30-9:30 PM,” Petrmichl said. “Alyssa shows up to rehearsal with a positive mindset, a fantastic work ethic, and always pushes herself to be the best that she can be.”
Formanes also acts as a leader within the music room, making sure to stay focused and supportive for all of her bandmates.
“She’s a really kind and humble person,” freshman Marlee Amill said. “She keeps everyone very organized.”
Congratulations to Formanes and the rest of the Elkhorn North Sound of the Wolfpack Marching Band for their fantastic performance and first place win!
