Shorecrest Preparatory School junior Ethan Bekurs ’24 was selected for and attended the first annual Furman University Honor Band Symposium November 18-19, 2022.
Furman University’s Honor Band Symposium is a two-day event comprised of two parts. The first part is an Honor Concert Band that functions like a clinic wherein students attend instrument technique classes and chamber music rehearsal, and then perform in a celebration showcase for friends and family. The second part of the symposium is a rehearsal of marching band music with Furman’s Paladin Regiment Marching Band and a halftime performance at a Furman Paladins football game (NCAA Division I).
Ethan Updike, Shorecrest’s Band Director, solicited interested Upper School students and submitted applications for the program on their behalf.
Bekurs applied to participate in the program because he likes playing with Shorecrest’s concert band and is interested in possibly playing in a band at the collegiate level. At the Symposium he enjoyed getting to know other musicians and specifically people who also play the baritone horn, his specialty.
“For the Chamber Music portion of the symposium, I was part of a group that represented a wide variety of band programs and skill levels,” Bekurs shared. “Being able to see how different people adapted to the fast-paced program (we had less than two hours to rehearse new music for a concert that evening) and working with other band kids was one of the highlights of the experience.
“Student conductors were impressive to work with. We got the full marching band experience at the collegiate level, from game day rehearsal, to the marching down the street, to playing in the stands and then at half time. Since I’m considering auditioning for a band at the collegiate level this was a good opportunity to experience it firsthand and see if it’s for me. It was also enjoyable to watch the college band rehearse and play their music with the student conductors.
Overall Bekurs thought the trip to Furman University was a wonderful learning experience. “If afforded the opportunity to apply for next year’s program I will definitely volunteer again!” he enthusiastically offered.
