Several Covington Middle School students were named to the Central Highlands All-Area Honor Band. First row from left: Sawyer Eggleston, Aubrey Byer, Chloe Walton, and Izabellah Anderson. Second row: Ethan Townsend, Cole Bowser, Brody Keith, Benjamin Eggleston, and Jack Shull. (AHPS Photo)
Several AHPS Students Shine in Honor Band Performances
LOW MOOR — Several Alleghany Highlands Public Schools music students earned recent honors, including the experience of playing in honor bands.
Eleven Covington Middle School students were recently selected for the Central Highlands Area Honor Band. Those students were Izabellah Anderson, Cole Bowser, Aubrey Byer, Benjamin Eggleston, Sawyer Eggleston, Brody Keith, Jack Shull, Ethan Townsend, and Chloe Walton.
“What I like about the band is how the music sounds. I like playing music and All-Area Band was honestly a great experience, great director, and great people. I loved how we learned two songs with only a couple hours to learn them,” said Jack Shull, seventh-grade trumpet player. “The trumpet is my favorite and band is something I know that I will continue to do through high school.”
Additionally, four CMS students were also selected for the District V Honor Band. Those students were Aubrey Byer, Benjamin Eggleston, Jenna Freeman, and Chloe Walton.
“My favorite part of District V Honor Band was getting to work with a different conductor and people from other schools, and making new friends,” said student Jenna Freeman, another seventh-grade student who is very active in the overall music program.
“Our music programs are an important part of our overall activities,” said Ty Dobbs, Director of Athletics and Activities for AHPS. “We want to make sure our community is aware that we offer both band classes and extracurricular activities in band both at Covington Middle School and of course Alleghany High School.”
Covington Middle School students can enroll in band and chorus classes.
Alleghany High School students from left Kenny Sprouse, Landon Mullikin, Alayna Shumaker, and Claire Dudley recently performed in the Central Highlands All-Area Honor Band at Bath County High School. (AHPS Photo)
At Alleghany High School, students have access to a wider range of elective choices to further develop their musical skills and interests. Alleghany High School offers a Wind Ensemble, Concert Band, Jazz Band, Guitar I & II, Piano, Music Appreciation, Music Theory, and Musical Theatre Band as well as an Adaptive Music class. These courses allow students to refine their instrumental and vocal techniques, explore different musical styles, and participate in various performances throughout the school year.
This winter, several AHS students also participated in honors band activities. Kayleigh Gunter, Kenny Sprouse, and Evelynn Williams participated in the Virginia Tech Honors Band in Blacksburg.
“We could not be more proud of these individuals for this accomplishment. This Annual Honor Band brings nearly 400 students from across Virginia and beyond to participate in rehearsals, clinics, and performances with VT faculty and guest clinicians,” said AHS Band Director Adam Eggleston.
Two AHS students, Landon Mullikin and Kenny Sprouse, participated in the All-District Band at Staunton High School. Sprouse placed in the Concert Band and Mullikin in the Symphonic Band.
Four AHS students; Claire Dudley, Landon Mullikin, Alayna Shumaker and Kenny Sprouse, participated in the Central Highlands All-Area Band. Mullikin and Sprouse each placed 1st Chair for their instrument in this ensemble. The group is made up of students from Alleghany, Bath, James River, Parry McCluer, and Rockbridge high schools who auditioned for their spots in November.
“I am incredibly grateful for the opportunities that are available for our students and immensely proud of the students who go for those opportunities. Our students consistently demonstrate their ability to represent the Alleghany Highlands with distinction and strive for excellence in their endeavors,” Eggleston said.
About Alleghany Highlands Public Schools
AHPS serves approximately 2,700 students. The school division is jointly funded by Alleghany County and the City of Covington.
AHPS news and events are updated regularly on Facebook at AHPublicSchools and onInstagram at ahpublicschools. Information is also available at www.ahps.k12.va.us. School starts for students on Aug. 13 for the school year 2025-2026.
Four Covington Middle School students were selected for the Region V Honor Band. From left: Benjamin Eggleston, Jenna Freeman, Aubrey Byer, and Chloe Walton. (AHPS Photo)
Alleghany High School students from left Evelynn Williams, Kenny Sprouse, and Kayleigh Gunter were among nearly 400 students from throughout the commonwealth selected for the Virginia Tech Honors Band. The performance took place recently in Blacksburg. (AHPS Photo)
Two Alleghany High School students, Kenny Sprouse (left) and Landon Mullikin participated in the All-District Band at Staunton High School. Sprouse placed in the Concert Band and Mullikin in the Symphonic Band. (AHPS Photo)