On October 29, the prestigious All-National Concert Band, directed by renowned composer-conductor Mark Camphouse, took the stage at the Grand Ole Opry House in Nashville, Tennessee. Natalie Jackson, the first Churchville-Chili student to be honored with membership in the All-National Honors Ensembles (sponsored by the National Association for Music Education (NAfMe), performed in the French horn section.
It was another impressive step in the young artist’s rising musical career. “I’m excited about the honor and the opportunity to work and perform alongside other talented musicians from around the country,” says Jackson.
“The characteristic that impresses me most about Natalie is her drive to continue growing,” said Kevin Mead, Churchville-Chili’s Wind Ensemble director. “Natalie works extremely hard, pays attention to details, accepts criticism readily, and works constantly to continue improving.”
Jackson is a member of the Churchville-Chili High School Wind Ensemble and is in her second year as French horn section leader. She also performs in the select Brass Ensemble, Concert Choir, and has been both on stage and in the pit orchestra for school musicals. Last November, she was chosen to sit first chair in the New York All-State Symphonic Band. Outside of Churchville-Chili, Jackson studies privately with Jill Hammond, is a member of the Hochstein Youth Symphony Orchestra, the Roberts Wesleyan College Wind Ensemble, and performs in Robert’s Brass Quintet.
In addition to her talent and deep commitment to music, Jackson has outstanding academic achievements. She was recently named a 2014 AP Scholar, and has been recognized with Outstanding Participant certification for being in the top 3 percent of more than 160,000 Black Americans who participated in the 2015 National Achievement Scholarship Program.
Provided information and photo
