Two Jefferson Forest seniors named to All-American band

FOREST — Before a crowd of more than 100 people gathered in Jefferson Forest High School’s auditorium Monday, seniors Michael Kerr and Dylan Barber accepted two spots on the U.S. Army All-American Marching Band.

The band is comprised of 97 high school seniors from across the nation nominated by their band directors to perform for the U.S. Army All-American Bowl, which features top high school football players. The bowl is celebrating its 10th anniversary Jan. 9, 2010, in San Antonio, Texas.

Kerr, who plays trumpet, and Barber, who plays percussion, will join nine other students from Virginia as All-American band players. They are the only members from Central Virginia to be selected.

Monday’s announcement was made by Capt. Kimberly Miller of the U.S. Army. Kerr and Barber received a standing ovation from an audience that included family, school officials and peers.

“I’d like to thank the Academy,” Barber joked before thanking his parents, teachers and fellow band mates, who he played with during Monday’s ceremony.

Kerr, who said he was “ecstatic” after his selection, also thanked his parents for raising him in a music environment.

David Webb, the school’s band director, said he could not say enough about the students’ talents, level of commitment and character. He said he constantly has to chase Barber away from the marimba in the band room because of his dedication.

“They’re both driven students and both driven musicians at the same time,” Webb said. “These two guys are the heart and soul of our band program — them, and another 130 just like them.”

Kerr said he has been performing in band for six years and loves the camaraderie.

“That’s what makes it really fun for us every day in practice, even though sometimes it’s really grueling,” Kerr said. “I have my friends and that’s what makes it fun.”

“There’s definitely a family atmosphere,” said Barber. “It’s cool to be part of that.”

Kerr said he intends to minor in music and major in engineering and is considering Liberty University — he said he definitely wants to be a part of the school’s band program.

Barber said he just sent out college applications this past weekend and plans to major in music education.

Allan Popadines, a selection tour representative for Sportslink, which owns the bowl game, said the two seniors were selected out of 1,300 nominations. The selection team, one of five in the country, has been traveling to several states in the northeast as far north as Vermont and as far south as Virginia to announce band members before their peers, he said.

The Army pays for all expenses related to the trip.

Greg Thompson, last year’s school valedictorian, was selected to the band a year ago.

Webb said having three students from the school named as All-American band members in two years is a testament to the school’s program and the support it receives.

“It’s a group effort that takes hundreds of people,” Webb said, “but if this doesn’t prove it’s worth it, I don’t know what does.”