GADSDEN, AL, September 12, 2017 - - Jon Featheringill, Jr., the Principal Double Bassist of the Etowah Youth Symphony Orchestra, has been selected for the 2017 All-National Honor Symphony Orchestra. Featheringill, who is a sophomore at Gadsden City High School, auditioned for the ensemble in May. He is one of only three students from the state of Alabama selected for the All-National Honor Ensembles, and one of only two selected for the Symphony Orchestra.

“We are extremely proud of Jon and this accomplishment,” commented EYO Music Director Mike Gagliardo. “The audition process for these ensembles is rigorous. Jon is an exceptional musician, and we are honored to have him as a member of our program.”

The All-National Honor Ensembles are a program of the National Association for Music Education. The Ensembles represent the top performing high school musicians in the United States, and provide a comprehensive musical and educational experience. The Ensembles, including the Symphony Orchestra, the Concert Band, the Mixed Choir, and the Jazz Ensemble, will meet at the Walt Disney World Resort in Orlando during the last week of November. The Symphony Orchestra will be under the direction of Dr. Margery Deutsch, Music Director of the University of Wisconsin-Milwaukee University Community Orchestra and the Milwaukee Youth Symphony Orchestra.

Jon is a member of the Gadsden City High School Orchestra under the direction of Mr. Keith LaBenne, and also performs as the double bassist for the Etowah Symphonic Wind Ensemble. He also plays baritone saxophone in the Gadsden City High School Titan Band. He is the son of Mr. & Mrs. Jon Featheringill, Sr., of Gadsden.

The Etowah Youth Orchestras is a project of the Gadsden Cultural Arts Foundation, in partnership with the Attalla City, Etowah County, and Gadsden City Boards of Education, and the City of Gadsden.