RMS student makes All-State Band

R U S S E L L V I L L E — Russellville Middle School eighth grader Layla Rush has been selected to this year’s Alabama Bandmasters Association All-State band.

RCS Band Director Jeremy Willis was excited about Rush’s selection.

“Of the hundreds of middle school students in our area who audition, only two percussionists are selected to represent our district, and Layla was one of them,” he said. “For her audition, she performed both a prepared and a sight-reading piece on snare drum, marimba and timpani.”

In addition to making the ABA District 3 Honor Band, Rush traveled to Mobile to perform with students from across the state in the Owens Middle School All-State Band, conducted by composer William Owens. The ensemble had four rehearsal blocks to prepare for their concert.

“Earning a spot in the All-State Band is one of the highest honors a middle school band student can achieve,” Willis said. “Layla is not only a phenomenal musician but also an outstanding student who has been a tremendous asset to our program.”