The Ottumwa Community School District proudly announces the selection of five students for the Southeast Iowa Bandmasters Association (SEIBA) Honor Band Festival. Ten students, including TaNia Howard (french horn), Bounsay Khamphilanouvong (euphonium), and Logan Storto (alto saxophone) from Ottumwa High School; Frank Ajkic (clarinet), Joseph Naumann (percussion), and Madalynn Sertterh (clarinet) from Evans Junior High School; and Cole Rich (clarinet), Elyssia Marcum (trumpet), Alexa Rupe (trumpet), and Brandon Vongpanya (tuba) from Liberty Intermediate School prepared for the rigorous audition.

The SEIBA Honor Bands and Jazz Band Festival will be held on Saturday, January 25, 2025, at 4:30 pm at the Voxman School of Music at the University of Iowa, featuring top student musicians from districts across Southeast Iowa. The SEIBA Senior High Concert Band and High School Jazz Bands comprise grades 9-12, and the Junior High Concert Band comprises grades 7-8. Students were selected by a regional audition held on January 11, where they were asked to play etudes, scales, and chromatic. 

On January 25, Howard, Khamphilanouvong, Storto (alternate), Ajkic, and Vongpanya will rehearse at the University of Iowa campus to prepare for the concert. 

Liberty Director Pam DeBoer said, "I am proud of these students for taking on this challenge. They have all become stronger musicians through the process - it takes hard work and grit to do this!"

This honor is a recognition of individual talent and a reflection of Ottumwa Schools’ commitment to nurturing a thriving fine arts program. These students represent the district's dedication to excellence, as they prepare to shine on both district and state stages.

Ottumwa High School students Bounsay Khamphilanouvong (euphonium), Logan Storto (alto saxophone), TaNia Howard (french horn).

Evans Junior High School students Joseph Naumann (percussion), Madalynn Sertterh (clarinet), and Frank Ajkic (clarinet).

Liberty Intermediate students Cole Rich (clarinet), Brandon Vongpanya (tuba), Alexa Rupe (trumpet), and Elyssia Marcum (trumpet).