More than 400 music students from across Southeast will gather in Ketchikan April 9-11 for the 52nd annual Spring Music Festival, with jam-packed days of performances, judging and workshops led by master musicians.

Kelly Smith, activities director for the Ketchikan school district, said while it requires a lot of logistics to gather everyone from across the region, it is important. “Student musicians support team sports and get to play with other schools with pep bands, but this is a show that is just theirs.”

In contrast with the Southeast Honor Music Festival, which was held last October in Wrangell, the Spring Music Festival is open to all members of high school bands, orchestras, jazz ensembles and choirs. The high school band, jazz band and choir from Wrangell will attend.

Wrangell music instructor Tasha Morse explained that there is also opportunity for soloists and ensembles to perform for judging and feedback.

Even in those experiences, there is collaboration and cooperation across music communities.

Wrangell’s Andrei Bardin-Siekawitch, Cooper Powers and Kalee Herman, accompanied by a friend from Juneau, will perform a jazz ensemble.

Wrangell soloist Clara Carney will perform “Simple Gifts” — an almost 200-year-old Shaker song more widely known after it was used in a score by American composer Aaron Copeland — accompanied by pianist Laurie Clough from Juneau.

Each day of the festival is divided into segments. Early mornings are for solo and ensemble performances and adjudications. Students who are not performing are invited to attend as an audience. Morse said they really show up for each other, and it is typically standing room only.

Mid-mornings are devoted to jazz concerts. Every school which has a jazz band has the opportunity to play, and to get feedback, from kudos to suggested areas of improvement from the guest adjudicators.

The Wrangell High School jazz band will perform three numbers, including “When the Saints Come Swingin’ In.”

There are typically two or three workshop/class offerings each afternoon so that students have the opportunity to learn, not just perform.

The evenings are for band, orchestra and choir performances. The Wrangell High School band will perform three selections and the choir will perform four. These, too, are adjudicated and given feedback. Morse said the feedback reflects elements that contribute to a good musical performance, including technique, balance and blend.

This year’s adjudicators are from Philadelphia, New Jersey and Kansas City.

Smith said the spring festival, which rotates between Southeast communities, is a highlight event, celebrating the amazing and committed Southeast music community.

“It’s exciting to see all the ways music is a part of different schools, and the number of kids who participate. This is a culminating event for the school year and involves students from freshmen to seniors. It’s an opportunity to meet other kids across Southeast with similar interests. It’s exciting to share the energy they bring to this week.”