Rand named to All State Band

Published 11:50 pm Tuesday, January 31, 2012

Keith High student Marquel Rand was recently named to the Alabama All-State Band. -- Robert Hudson

ORRVILLE — A local high school musician has received an honor that puts him among the state’s best.

Keith High School 8th grader Marquel Rand was named to the 2012 Alabama All-State Band.

Rand, who plays Euphonium for the Keith, said it’s a great honor, and he was a little nervous when he was preparing to audition for the all-state band.

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“It’s exciting,” Rand said. “At first I didn’t think I was going to make it because when I started this was an instrument I just got, and since I didn’t know how to use the fourth valve I was afraid of messing up. Sometimes when I play the first valve, I accidently press down the fourth one.”

But Rand said the encouragement of Keith band director Marcus Rackley and his emphasis on practice helped make it easier to audition for the band.

“Mr. Rackley said don’t be nervous because if I practice everyday it’s going to be like I’m playing alone—I can’t see the person, I can’t here them—so just be confident and it’ll be okay,” Rand said.