At the end of the month, two high school music groups will perform for over 1,300 music teachers from across the state at the annual Georgia Music Educators Association In Service Conference.

Both the Fayette County High School Wind Ensemble, under the direction of Dr. Myra Rhoden and J. Andrew McMillen, and the Starr’s Mill High Swingin’ Starrs Jazz Band, under the director of Scott King, have been invited to perform on the first day of the conference.

The Fayette County High Wind Ensemble will perform during the morning’s opening session Jan. 28. They will play a special piece composed by guest conductor Mark Camphouse, professor of music at George Mason University in Fairfax, Virginia. The piece titled, “Homage to the Dream,” was commissioned for the 75th anniversary of the Phi Beat Mu International Bandmasters Fraternity, and written to commemorate the 50th anniversary of the Dr. Martin Luther King’s “I Have a Dream” speech.

The Starr’s Mill High Swingin’ Starrs Jazz Band will follow with a performance in the afternoon.

Only the best school bands, choruses and orchestras from around the state are invited to perform. These performances give conference attendees the opportunity to hear some of the best musical literature available, and to observe some of the best practices in conducting and teaching.