Local musicians part of elite class

Leiker, Guetersloh chosen

Marion High School seniors Landon Leiker and Sarah Guetersloh earned coveted positions playing first-part on their respective instruments of Kansas Music Educator’s Association 1A through 4A All-State Honor Band. They are two of about 100 musicians who were selected for the honor band, but the selection of students to play first -part is even more elite — Leiker was one of four trumpet players and Guetersloh was one of three trombone players.

With strong performances with the district honor band Leiker and Guetersloh earned the right to audition for the state band in Salina. They aced that audition but another awaited them Feb. 24 in Wichita before the Kansas Music Educators Association state honor band and choir performances.

Leiker earned the first chair trumpet position on the first part, and Guetersloh earned third chair for trombone.

After auditions, both Marion brass musicians endured three-consecutive days of four-hour rehearsals, about 17 total hours worth of practice, before the performance Saturday evening at Century II Concert Hall.

“One must understand that even though they are not up and running around, they are breathing air into their horns, sitting with good posture, and burning out their facial muscles for a long time,” MHS band teacher Adam Johnson said. “They have to be in great physical shape to endure long rehearsals and then perform at peak levels.”