FACTORYVILLE — Tia Brooks, a 10th-grade student at Lackawanna Trail Jr. Sr. High School, placed first chair on bass clarinet at the Pennsylvania Music Educators Association Region IV Band festival, held in Lewisburg this past month. This distinction allows her the honor of playing at State Band in Pittsburgh, where she will compete against two other players for first chair bass clarinet. Auditions will be held April 3-6.
Brooks has been playing bass clarinet for five years. Originally, she chose the instrument because she liked the look of it. She credits Lackawanna Trial’s rigorous music program, and the training of band director Kevin Dikeman as keys to her success. She stated that Dikeman would go “above and beyond” in an effort to practice with his musicians. Brooks believes Dikeman he sees the potential in everyone, which made her see her own.
Brooks hopes to make it one step beyond All-State Band and receive an invitation to the All-Eastern Band. In the future, she planst o pursue a degree in music therapy. Brooks believes music is not only an important part of life, but it can also change lives. Her goal is to help people through her musical gift.
