CEDAR CITY – Music filled Canyon View High School’s auditorium and common area last Thursday Night at the first Band Carnival.

Elementary, middle and high school students showed up with their families to learn about concert, jazz and marching bands, sample instruments, munch on pizza, and play in the bounce houses provided for the evening.

Middle school and high school concert and jazz bands performed throughout the evening, culminating in a concert where everyone performed.

Current band members showed up to help out.

CVHS junior and baritone player Denzel Turner provided information to drum up interest in a marching band. This year, the school lacked enough musicians for a full marching band.

“We’re hoping to get more kids involved in some kind of music,” he said.

CVHS music teacher for David Jordan dreamed up the idea for a band carnival while he was working on his master’s degree this summer. When asked to create an activity to raise interest in band, he and another master’s student came up with the band carnival concept. He teamed up with Canyon View Middle School music teacher Lauralyn Anderson to make it a reality.

“We want kids to see what its like to be in band, and hopefully recruit some new players,” Anderson said.

Visitors to the carnival found plenty to keep them busy. Summerhays Music Center and Cedar Music Store brought a variety of instruments for new musicians to try.

Middle-schooler Jesse Goldman, who just started playing trombone this year, sampled the instruments.

CVHS senior and trumpet player Dylan Eastman plans to continue playing in college and was seeking to upgrade from his current, beginning-level instrument.

Booths provided information about Marching Band and other aspects of music at the Canyon View schools.

Large crowds formed to hear the bands perform in the commons area.

“I just hope everyone has a good time tonight,” Anderson said.