When Windsor Central High School senior Max Baxter learned of his selection to the National Association for Music Education (NAfME) All-National Modern Band, he was elated.

“I was so excited. I was caught off guard. I was at a doctor’s appointment when I found out,” said Baxter, who has been playing the guitar since fifth grade.

But, then reality set in.

“I was prepared for (the concert) not to happen. I knew there was this complication. But, I had all hopes it would happen, because I knew it would be a great experience,” said Baxter.

Alas, NAfME cancelled the Modern Band concert, as well as the other performances originally scheduled to take place November 4-8 in Orlando, FL because of COVID-19.

But, that doesn’t diminish the honor Baxter earned. While NAfME hasn’t released a 2020 Modern Band roster, the 2019 ensemble included only 16 student musicians, including three guitarists, from across the nation.

“Max is the Windsor first student that I know of to gain acceptance into this level of ensemble,” said WCHS music teacher Joel Carle. “Not only does Max’s acceptance represent his top-notch talent and work ethic, it also represents the success of our cutting-edge music program.  Even though the performance will not be happening this year, Max can still proudly say that he was one of a very small group of students from the United States to have this honor.”

To earn a spot in the All-National band, Baxter submitted an audition video of him playing two different pieces in two different musical styles: a progressive rock song (Pink Floyd’s Comfortably Numb), and a metal rock song (Avenged Sevenfold’s Unholy Confessions). He started the process last March, almost to the day that the district closed its buildings and began remote learning due to COVID-19.

“I was working on it right away when we got out of school. I was grinding, making audition videos for two weeks,” said Baxter.

Baxter won’t get to enjoy the thrill of playing with the best high school musicians in the country. But, mastering two different pieces in two different musical styles for his audition proved the journey can be as important as the destination.

“I was happy that I was able to learn something that hard that fast,” said Baxter.

Baxter is now focusing on making an audition video for SUNY Fredonia, where he wants to study music education.