American Bnad Idol For 2008

Mr. De'Marcus Walker

Mr. Walker is senior at John Tyler High School. He performed on the tuba. This is his second year to win this contest. His performance was outstanding. He won a nice trophy, a gift certificate for $250.00, and a "T" shirt.

Giving the award to Mr. Walker is Cheryl Hale the Manager of American Band Instrument Service.

The sixth annual AMERICAN BAND IDOL COMPETITION was held at the American Band Instrument Service Education Center in Tyler, Texas. The event is patterned after the "AMERICAN IDOL" television show only without the harsh words to contestants. Students are given the opportunity to perform before an audience and three college level judges. The judges grade the students' performance on a points system and give suggestions for improving their playing. Free T-shirts are given to all contestants. Cash prizes and trophies are given to the top two performers in both the middle school and the high school divisions.

Middle School Division First Place Winner Is

Miss Brittany Doss

Miss Doss is from Kaufman Middle School and she perormed on the alto saxophone. She also won a a nice trophy, a gift certificate for $150.00, and a "T" shirt.

The judges form left to right around Brittany are Dr. Ed Bach from the University of North Carolina at Greensboro, Mr. Tom Mensch from Tyler Jr. College, and Dr. Randy B. Kohlenberg also from the University of North Carolina at Greensboro.

Many middle school students from throughout the East Texas area signed up to perform for the judges. The competition this year was a lot tougher than in past years. However, the judges narrowed the field down to six finalists. The six students chosen were Brittany Doss, Kayla Myers, Rachael Helpenstel, Anndra Beth Harrell, Sonja Doss, and Tamara Rodriguez. All participants received an American Band Idol T-Shirt

Many high school students from throughout the East Texas area signed up to perform for the judges. As with the middle school students, the competition was tougher this year. The judges narrowed the field down to six finalists. The six students chosen as finalists were De'Marcus Walker, Hunter Barrett, Katie Kindig, Rebecca Jensen, Oliver Flores, and Caleb Ketcham.

The High School Secnond Place Winner Is

Mr. Hunter Barrett

Mr. Barrett is senior at White Oak High School in White Oak, Texas. Mr. Barrett won a nice trophy, a gift certificate for $125.00, and a "T" shirt.

Giving the award to Mr. Walker is Cheryl Hale the Manager of American Band Instrument Service.