Three high school band members participate in the Northeast Instrumental Music Festival

Three students stand and pose with teacher for a photo
Freshman Nick Baines, junior Tim Buchal and senior Ken Orton with their high school band teacher Mr. Iacketta.

Three Stillwater High School students recently participated in their first-ever Northeast Instrumental Music Festival. The festival brings together musicians of all ages, where they rehearse and make music together at the High Peaks Resort in Lake Placid.

Freshman Nick Baines (trumpet), junior Tim Buchal (euphonium) and senior Ken Orton (tuba) spent three and a half days at the resort with around 100 other students from around the northeast.

After days of rehearsal, the students performed at the resort on Sunday, Nov. 18, sharing the stage with the Great American Community Band – a 60 piece ensemble made up of music teachers, both active and retired, as well as college students, doctors, engineers and military personnel.

Congratulations to Nick, Tim and Ken!

More about the Northeast Instrumental Music Festival

The Northeast Instrumental Music Festival, originating in Burlington, VT, moved to Lake Placid in 1986. The festival brings together musicians of all ages, proving that music is a lifelong experience. Many students of past festivals have pursued careers in music or music education, and almost one hundred percent have continued to be active in music after high school graduation. Many members of the Great American Community Band have had or still have active careers in the music profession.