Nikki Schuldt, a junior here at Hawthorne High School, auditioned and has been chosen for Region Band. New Jersey is broken into three regions. Region one includes: Sussex, Warren, Morris, Passaic, Bergen, Essex, and Hudson counties. Region Band is a group that is composed of the best high school musicians in northern New Jersey. Schuldt made first chair alto clarinet. Now that she is in Region Band, she can audition for All-State Band, which would put her in the top high school musicians in the state.

The Clarion met up with Nikki Schuldt and asked her what Region Band was all about.

The Clarion: So what is Region Band and how to do you get in?

Nikki Schuldt:  Region Band is a prestigious, audition only, concert band. Hawthorne is in Region One with all of the Northern New Jersey counties. My audition was last Sunday, and I scored a 211 on the alto clarinet, which is basically a small bass clarinet. I’m first chair because I scored the highest.

The Clarion: Are there rehearsals for this band that lead up to special events?

Nikki Schuldt: For Region Band, there are only four rehearsals, but they’re very long. They’re like four to six hours each. Then, there is a concert at the end of this month.

The Clarion: Now that you’re in Region Band, what does this mean for the future?

Nikki Schuldt: Because I made it into Region Band, I am eligible to audition for the All-State Band, which is much harder to get into, but I’m hopeful. My audition is on January 21.

The Clarion: What are you looking forward to now that you are a part of such a prestigious band?

Nikki Schuldt: This experience has been so rewarding for me. I’ve learned so much and I’ve grown a lot as musician. I’m excited for my first Region Band rehearsal and to meet new people. The amount of support that I have received from the HHS band, and from my friends is amazing.

Hawthorne High School is extremely proud of Nikki Schuldt’s achievements. The Clarion and the rest of HHS wish her the best!