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Before the big show: behind the scenes at high school music festival

Friday, April 25, 2008 | 12:34 a.m. CDT; updated 1:08 p.m. CDT, Tuesday, July 22, 2008

Shayne Dorrell of Troy Buchanan High School practices just minutes before his snare drumming performance on Thursday at the Missouri State High School Activities Association Music Festival in Memorial Union.   ¦  SAIT SERKAN GURBUZ

BY SAIT SERKAN GURBUZ

COLUMBIA — Thousands of musicians, representing 400 high schools from every corner of Missouri, swarmed the halls of Memorial Union on Thursday. MU opened its doors to these young talents for the Missouri State High School Activities Association Music Festival 2008. While some of the students rehearsed in the student lounge, others, exhausted, took naps on the couches and armchairs. At the three day event, more than 4,500 individual and group performances will take place. All portions of the festival are open to the public and free of charge; just be careful not to trip over an instrument case.

Over 4000 high school musicians have descended upon Mizzou for the MSHSAA State Music Festival, which runs through Saturday. Students from across the state claimed tables, couches and alcoves as they sought space to practice and pass the time between competitions.   ¦  MEGHAN KRANE and SAIT SERKAN GURBUZ

Amanda Haberberger of Troy Buchanan High School practices in the Memorial Union student lounge before her French horn performance on Thursday at the Missouri State High School Activities Association Music Festival.   ¦  SAIT SERKAN GURBUZ

Caitlin Walker of Eldon High School talks with her band director Rex McCargar just minutes before her French horn performance on Thursday at the Missouri State High School Activities Association Music Festival in Memorial Union.   ¦  SAIT SERKAN GURBUZ

Sean Reed of Warrensburg High School empties his euphonium's spit valve in a restroom in Memorial Union.   ¦  SAIT SERKAN GURBUZ

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