Music isn’t just a passion for Carroll County High School senior Shelby Hillebrandt, it's part of who she is. That deep love for music, combined with a long family history of musical talent, helped her earn a spot in the National FFA Band for the second consecutive year.
This prestigious honor marks the last time Shelby can participate, as students are only eligible to be in the prestigious band for two years. Knowing that made her determined to give it everything she had.
“I knew you could only do it twice,” Shelby said. “Some people in the band are already in college. The audition stayed the same, but it was very rigorous because I had to spend a lot of time planning what I was going to play. I definitely took over 200 videos to get it right because I was passionate about getting in again.”
Shelby recorded her audition in full official FFA dress, working independently to perfect her submission. “I spent three days and over 200 videos,” she said. “I finally got the right video and sent it in. It wasn’t my best, but I did it. I honestly didn’t think I was going to get in again, but I did.”
The moment she found out was unforgettable. “I got the email before band practice and started jumping in the hallway saying, ‘Again, again!’ It was super exciting,” Shelby said. “The audition struggles were worth it.”
She will leave for Indianapolis on October 25 and return November 1, spending a week rehearsing and performing with talented musicians from across the nation. “This year I’ll have all new roommates, but I’m still super connected with a bunch of my friends from last year, which is really awesome,” Shelby said. She noted the band has about 75 members.
“Congratulations to Shelby for being selected again for the FFA national honors band,” said Carroll County Schools Superintendent Casey Jaynes. “This is quite an accomplishment for her and we appreciate her hard work and passion for music. She is an example of #cctop10 and empowering integrity and engaging community.”
While Shelby’s FFA chapter won’t see much of her during the convention, they will cheer her on and be able to watch her perform during the convention.
Shelby said the experience has expanded her view of both agriculture and music, emphasizing how the two can coexist. She remains undecided on a career path, but knows it will be music or agriculture. “There are a lot more students outside Kentucky who love ag and have been stuck between ag and music. I realized how many of us are really the same and love music and agriculture in the same way,” Shelby said.
She also values how much the experience has helped her grow as a musician. “I learned that I can get better being with those musicians,” she said. “Being in any kind of combined band outside of your hometown is really important. I’m surrounded with people who are better than me, on the same level as me, and it pushes me to get better and teaches me new things because I’m being challenged. It’s a challenge.”