On a High Note

Wayside Middle School Honor Band Earns Prestigious  National Invitation

The Wayside Middle School Honor Band has been selected to perform at the 2025 Music for All National Festival in Indianapolis, Indiana. This distinguished honor places the Wayside band among the top school ensembles in the country, representing Eagle Mountain-Saginaw ISD on a national stage. 

WMS Head Band Director Dr. Ben Shaffer and Assistant Band Director Taylor Ely had the fun honor of sharing this surprise news with their students on the first day of school in August 2024.  

“There was a lot of screaming and cheering when the kids found out,” Ely said, reflecting on the unforgettable moment. “They’ve worked so hard for this.” 

The Wayside Honor Band’s journey to the Music for All National Festival has been years in the making. The initial idea began in the summer of 2021 when Shaffer and Ely, along with Percussion Director Stuart Spoon, set their sights on this prestigious opportunity. Their dedication, combined with the hard work of the students, turned this dream into reality. 

“We knew it would be a challenge, but the kids’ commitment to their craft is what made this possible,” Ely said. “The level of music they are performing is incredible, and they’ve handled the entire process with such maturity.” 

The band earned their spot at the festival based on a submission of 20 minutes of music from the 2023-2024 Honor Band, which rehearsed tirelessly outside of regular class hours. 

 “I’ve been made aware that Wayside being accepted for this competition is a first for the entire Eagle Mountain-Saginaw district. This left me astonished; out of every middle school in the entire country, this program chose us,”” James Salas, student conductor and eighth-grade euphonium player, said. “”That’s not to say our school didn’t deserve this, but it is truly mind-boggling that our band and school as a whole has achieved such greatness.” 

This year’s Honor Band has continued that commitment, attending Tuesday evening rehearsals and instrument-specific practices, totaling about two and a half extra hours each week.  

With over 100 bands from across the country applying, Wayside’s selection as one of the 10 middle school performing groups is a remarkable achievement. The students are now preparing for their performance at the national festival in March, which includes working with renowned composers and clinicians. 

“I am so excited because the band gets to experience something that only a few get to. We get to work harder than ever to go to this huge place that is entirely new to us. This band means so much to me and I am so happy that I get to go,” said Emily Love, an eighth-grade French horn player. 

Beyond the excitement of the performance, the students are also gearing up for several fundraising events to help cover travel costs. From car washes to volunteering at Boswell High School football games, the band members are determined to ensure that all students can participate in this once-in-a-lifetime opportunity. 

For Ely, this achievement is also very personal. She credits her own school band director for inspiring her love of music, and she’s thrilled to pass that inspiration on to her students. 

“This experience will transform our program in every way,” she said. “Last year’s Honor Band set a high bar, and the current group has already made tremendous strides, building on that legacy.” 

She added that, for the students, the impact of this achievement will be felt for years to come.  

“These students will inspire future Wayside Band members to reach toward their dreams and chase new opportunities,” Ely said. 

As the Wayside Middle School Honor Band prepares for Indianapolis, their hard work, dedication, and passion for music will continue to shine – both in EMS ISD and on the national stage. “