Humphreys Middle School hosts 2025 Music Festival

Humphreys Middle School students, parents, teachers, administrators, and CW4 Richard Chapman with the 8th Army Band, united to create an extraordinary opportunity for the HMS musicians on Friday, May 16, 2025. 

Students worked in Choir, Band and Strings groups with the talented musicians of the 8th Army Band to expand their abilities and elevate themselves to a higher level of playing, understanding of music and excellence with their musicianship. 

Dr. Daniel Lambertson, Ms. Virginia Ford, and the students prepared specific music before the event to work on with more than 28 members of the 8th Army Band, who spent the entire day with our HMS musicians. The band members rehearsed with students in large groups in the early morning, then broke into sectional rehearsals with specialists in the instruments the students play or worked with the choir students on singing.

The 8th Army Band not only helped students refine their musical skills, but also demonstrated the level of excellence they can achieve by continuing to play or develop their singing. Throughout the day, students enjoyed live performances by the musicians, including a Woodwind Quintet and a Big Band. Even during lunch, they were treated to performances by the Brass and Saxophone players, who also answered questions about life as professional musicians. The day culminated in a final performance by the HMS students for parents, staff, and fellow students.

This was a fantastic final event of the HMS musical school year, which began with visits last August from the 8th Army Band members to get students motivated and moving in the right direction. The event could not have happened without the persistence, dedication, and collaboration with the 8th Army Band members and leadership of Ms. Ford and Dr. Lambertson, who show their dedication every day to instilling excellence into the musicians and singers at Humphreys Middle School.