Shelby Hillebrandt is plowing new musical ground in Carroll County. She is the first CCHS student known to be accepted into the National FFA Band.
“It’s a moment I’m really proud of because it’s something I never fathomed,” said the junior band and agriculture student. “It’s going to be a really good experience.”
Her dream is to combine two things she loves - music and agriculture.
“This is so huge for our little school,” said Mackenzie Wright, FFA sponsor and agriculture teacher. “As coaches, advisors and teams we share kids across sports, band, clubs and classrooms. Shelby is the perfect example of how dedication, good communication and organization allow students to keep all their options open. Those three skills more than any FFA lesson or musical piece is what it's all about and exactly what I hope every student gains.”
Shelby made her audition video for the National FFA Band while she was at FFA camp this summer. She played “Never Gonna Give You Up” for her fellow campers during the talent show. For her audition piece, she used a part from “Cajun Folk Songs”. The song is special to her because it’s the last music she played with former CCHS Band Director Brad Howard, who had a profound impact on her love for music.
Originally, the entire FFA officer crew planned something fun to do together at the talent show. But, the CCHS officers decided Shelby should be spotlighted so they encouraged her to take the stage on her own and wow the crowd with her trumpet.
So, that’s exactly what she did.
Shelby said her friends and fellow officers went so far as to take over her kitchen duty the night of the talent show so she could practice. Houston Parker and Braden Stewart gave her an extra dose of encouragement and took her kitchen duty so she could go practice.
Shelby learned she was accepted into the National FFA Band on Friday, Aug. 16. She was in the gym and had been waiting all day for an email notification. Suddenly, Shelby recalled, FFA Advisor and Agriculture Teacher Mackenzie Wright ran up to her and realized they had both just been notified she was selected.
“We were jumping up and down and squealing - it was so great,” Shelby said with a big smile.
Achieving this dream does come with some sacrifices for her at the annual convention held in Indianapolis in October. Band members are not allowed to participate in any events with their fellow FFA members so she won’t see them at all during the week.
“I can’t say enough about how proud I am of her and her dedication to a clear goal. The trip will be a once in a lifetime experience for her and our chapter,” Wright said.
Shelby arrives in Indianapolis on Saturday, Oct. 19 before the convention begins. Band members get their music the day they arrive. She will practice her music every day and leave the convention on the following Saturday. The band will march into the convention hall and play on stage during the convention.
Shelby was recognized by the Carroll County Board of Education at its August meeting for her achievement. “We are so proud of Miss Hillebrandt and her incredible talent to be staged on the national level. She is an example of what our students can do when given the opportunity to be #cctop10,” said Carroll County Schools Superintendent Casey Jaynes.
Wright said the trip is very costly so fundraising will be necessary. “We hope to always keep costs as low as possible for students because they should never miss an opportunity due to finances. The chapter will be working to help cover the costs but anyone who would like to help sponsor will always be immensely appreciated,” Wright added.