Small band, big sound: Justice HS Wind Ensemble delights audiences

The Justice High School Wind Ensemble. [Andrea Fus]

By Tara Rethore, JHS band parent

The Justice High School (JHS) Wind Ensemble is taking its show on the road. They are just one of two high school concert bands in the commonwealth invited to play at the Virginia Music Educators Association (VMEA) conference this weekend in Norfolk.

In March 2020, the JHS Wind Ensemble successfully auditioned (by recorded submission) to earn its place at the conference. 

Remarkably, they sustained their high-quality musicianship throughout the pandemic. 

Like other bands, they lost experienced musicians to graduation and virtual learning. Last school year, the ensemble successfully incorporated freshmen musicians and coped with hybrid schooling – when only a handful of musicians were physically present in the classroom and others contributed from their kitchens, bedrooms, and family rooms.

For so many reasons, “it’s a very special performance,” said JHS Band Director Brian Thomas of the VMEA concert. “It’s not only the first time for a Justice band to be featured at the conference. We are also the first band from our district to perform at the state music convention in 22 years.”

At the conference, the wind ensemble will play seven pieces featuring a variety of styles and musical complexity. In keeping with the VMEA’s desire to showcase younger or lesser-known composers, Thomas also chose two pieces by underrepresented composers. 

Thomas was allowed to invite guests to contribute to the performance, he continued, “So I thought: how do we represent the legacy of music in this district?” Andrew Sharrock, band director at Glasgow Middle School, composed one of the pieces and will also conduct a piece, as will Tamara Freeman, Glasgow’s assistant band director, and Eric Hoang, band director at West Springfield High School. 

Perhaps most special for Thomas: His former student, Richard Demy, will join the wind ensemble as a soloist on the euphonium to bring “Heritage Concerto for Euphonium” to life.

The ensemble’s outsize sound delighted the audience at the VMEA Conference Preview Concert on Nov. 15. “Closing my eyes and just listening to the music – it was astounding,” recounted JHS Band Boosters Vice President Matt Hardy. 

Related story: Help keep music alive at Justice High School

In fact, it’s easy to forget that just 27 musicians comprise the JHS Wind Ensemble. Five students play two instruments, and a percussion team of four covers a full range of instruments with individuals reading multiple parts in a single piece. 

The musicians mastered all seven pieces over the last 10 weeks, while also learning and performing an award-winning marching band routine and score. 

One wind ensemble musician [Benji Loeffler] has the added honor of performing with a second ensemble during the conference, the All-Virginia Jazz Band.

And like many FCPS high school students, JHS musicians are well rounded, including International Baccalaureate Diploma candidates, Eagle Scouts, decorated athletes, honor society members, and community leaders. 

“We are so grateful to our community,” Hardy said. “Their donations of time and dollars make it possible for us to keep music alive at Justice.” Fundraisers, like the traditional Tag Day, pay for new music, special clinics, instruments, uniforms, the bus to Norfolk, and so much more. Donations can also be made online.  

“But don’t take our word for how special and talented this group of musicians is,” said Hardy. “Listen for yourselves.” You can enjoy a selection of performances – including the Preview Concert – recorded by parents and posted on the JHS Band Boosters’ YouTube channel.