John Haynes is the first Alleghany High School band member to be selected to the state-wide honors band, which will give a concert on April 25 at UNC-G.

Band student takes all-state honors; first ever in county

John Haynes, a member of the Alleghany High School band, recently become the first student from AHS to be selected for a statewide honors band.

Haynes auditioned March 6 for the North Carolina All-State Honors Band and was accepted, said AHS band director Tanya Carmichael.

"They take the best music students in North Carolina and combine them to make one band," she said. "They are the top music students in the entire state."

Haynes is a senior who has been accepted at Appalachian State University. He plans to major in music education and performance, Carmichael said.

He plays a clarinet and formerly played tuba in the AHS band. "John only started playing clarinet three years ago — that is the big deal," said Carmichael. "He's put a lot of work into it." "I'm very happy to finally have this county represented for something musical," Haynes said.

"Personally, I'm very pleased," he added. "I hope that more people in the future will try out and make it. Musically, we're one of the most underrepresented counties in the state."

Haynes first auditioned earlier this year for the Northwest All-State Band. He was accepted and it was the third time he was given that honor, Carmichael said. That group presented a concert in February at ASU.

District winners from across the state are then eligible to audition for the All-State band.

Haynes auditioned for the statewide band at East Davidson High School. This group will present a concert April 25 at UNC-Greensboro. He is the son of Max and Katherine Haynes of Roaring Gap.

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