As the strains of the lovely Irish Tune by Percy Granger filled the music hall of Oregon State University, the state band judges sat back amazed. They all agreed that this was a top-rate band.

This band was different, though. His Music Symphonic Band, first-place winners in May on their first trip to the Oregon State Band Competition, is a band made up almost entirely of home-school students. They came from out of nowhere to beat out the school that had won state for the past seven years! The other school had seventy-five members, while His Music Band played with only twenty-one of their twenty-four students. Who are these outstanding players, and how did they get to where they are?

Eight years ago, Debra Norland, who has both a Bachelor's and a Master's degree in Music Education, was just a substitute music teacher for public schools. On the side, she taught a twelve-member home-school band. With those twelve young musicians began the vision for a high-quality musical opportunity for home schoolers. She virtually called every home schooler in the area (200 to 300 families) to spark an interest in her dream.  In 1988, Mrs. Norland quit teaching in the public schools, and devoted herself entirely to her home-school band. Slowly they expanded.

"We rehearsed everywhere," says clarinetist Emily Codieck, with a laugh. "In a classroom, in the entry way, in the nursery."

The word spread quickly as did the interest. Band parent Kathy Bernard says, "I happened to go and listen at a school assembly and went, 'Wow!'" Her family has been a part of Mrs. Norland's growing dream ever since.

Today the "band" is four separate bands, with a total enrollment of ninety students, most of which are home schoolers. Each band is separated by skill level, the highest level being the Symphonic Band. The His Music Bands give three popular concerts every year—in the fall, at Christmas, and in the spring—playing such

favorite tunes as "Fiddler on the Roof," "Oklahoma," and Percy Granger's Irish Tune and Shepherd's Hay.

The band also provides different types of opportunities for its members.  Senior Emily Codieck is using her involvement to spring herself into a music career.  She plans to attend the renowned Eastman School of Music next fall on a generous scholarship. In contrast, beginning saxophonist Tylor Shaw says he likes band "because all my friends are there, I guess." Each one is different, yet they have all come together to produce a stunning success. What do they consider to be the main reason for the excellence that they have achieved?

"Discipline," says Mrs. Norland.  "Because of it, I can demand and receive excellence." Her biggest concern, though, is that her students' attitudes reflect "hearts that are open to the Lord," and that the His Music Bands will continue to be a testimony of the goodness of God to the community. They thank God for the great rewards with which he has blessed their hard work, and they plan to continue making history for Him.