For the second consecutive year, a Pella High School student has earned national recognition for her renowned trumpet work. Pella Jazz I Director Dameon Place says Senior Annaleigh Babcock was once again selected for the Honor Band of America. Babcock earned the third chair spot on the elite ensemble made up of the country’s best high school musicians.

“That, in and of itself is a huge accomplishment,” Place says. “But then when she got there, auditioned for her chair placement and was placed third chair in that band, which is a really phenomenal accomplishment. She’s been traveling all over, essentially the United States trying to figure out where she’s going to school, so it’s been fun to monitor that and help her in that and guide her through that process.”

Place says Babcock has been special member of the Pella band programs throughout her high school days, and he’s excited she was recognized once again for her efforts.

“She’s a professional, and she’ll be a professional, and we are excited to see where her career goes from here.”