Region One high school band auditions were hosted by Greer High School in January. Band students from all seven Spartanburg school districts, both Laurens school districts, Greenville school district, Pickens school district, and Oconee school district performed audition criteria for a panel of judges. After the tabulation of the scores of more than 1,500 students competing, the top scores were chosen, and those students were awarded placement into this year’s Region Band. These students attended the 2011 Region One Band Clinic in February at Furman University. During the clinic they were under the direction of fine clinicians, studied music with students from all over the region, and performed a concert attended by approximately 2,000 people. These Pickens High School band students won placement in the Region Band: Jennifer Bramel, Anna Chastain, Madison Vaughn, Cydney Reid, Liz Whitaker, Kaylee Sandor, AJ Keene, Antwan Sloan, Alex Powers, Josh Seawright, Austin Tinsley, Renee Chastain, Tyler McManis, John McManus, Austin King, Danielle Buckhiester, Paul Dennis, Joseph Stockton, and Camden O’Bryant.

The Dr. David Spittal Community Award, named for Southern Wesleyan University’s retiring president, was announced during the 2011 Central State of the Community dinner, held March 17 at Founders’ Hall on the university’s campus in Central. University President David Spittal, left, was the inaugural recipient for the award, presented by Will Gregory, chairman of the Clemson Area Chamber of Commerce board of directors. Southern Wesleyan University hosted community leaders, including area political leaders and representatives from area businesses. The dinner was organized by the Central Area Business Council and the Clemson Area Chamber of Commerce. Southern Wesleyan was one of several community sponsors for the event.

CLEMSON — Clemson University recently received several awards from the Council for Advancement and Support of Education (CASE) District III at the CASE III conference in Tampa, Fla.