Three students in the Baker University concert band have been chosen to travel to Seattle to perform with the College Band Directors National Association Small College Intercollegiate Band.

“This year we have three going,” Ray James, assistant professor of music and director of bands, said. “The most we’ve had attend prior to that was two.”

Seniors Brittany Hines and Bryce Lathrop and junior Scott Ireland were chosen after a recommendation from a director was sent. The students then sent in a resume of pieces they have played, along with general information about their music experiences. A panel of judges chose the three musicians.

They will be performing with other small-college students from Harvard University in Cambridge, Mass., as well as students from Kansas schools such as Pittsburg State University and Washburn University.

To put the event into perspective, James said the event is like making the All-American team for musicians. James also said the three student musicians who were chosen are the cream of the crop.

“I am very excited,” Lathrop said. “It’s a real honor to be able to go to a nationwide event.”

This is the second time Lathrop has traveled to Seattle for a band event.

“My high school band went there my sophomore year,” Lathrop said. “When we’re there, we’re going to see other concerts that will be a part of the event too, and we’ll get to look around Seattle.

I’m glad (Hines and Ireland) both made it too. Hopefully we’ll go out and have fun together.”

James said he will be traveling along with the students, but to attend an event for directors instead. However, he will be helping out with chair auditions for the performers and he plans to support the Baker students when they perform.

“They will have an enjoyable time playing with other students who play as well as they do,” James said.

James and the three student musicians will leave March 22 and return March 27.

“This is quite a neat honor for these students,” James said.

Sophomore band member Bryce Bowers said he is proud of Lathrop, Hines and Ireland and thinks they will perform well.

“I think it’s a great thing for Baker because it just gives more representation and the people that are going will be great ambassadors for Baker, and it’s a great reflection on our band program,” Bowers said. “Good luck, have fun and do well.”