TROY, Ala. (TROJANVISION) — A night of music, mentorship and new perspectives took center stage as the Troy University Symphony Band wrapped up this school year with a final concert.

The concert wasn’t a typical performance; four guest conductors took the podium, each choosing their own piece to conduct and bringing a fresh interpretation to the stage.

Three of those conductors were graduate assistants trading the practice room for the spotlight. For student musicians, this shift in leadership made an impact.

”I mean, it makes us all think differently about the music because if we are going to spend all this time focusing on one conductor we’re not going to really learn the challenges of what it takes when we go out into the real world,” said Tosh Teeter, a member of the Symphony Band. “It really helps us just progress in a different way.”

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That exchange goes both ways with the graduate assistants calling the experience just as rewarding.

”It’s incredibly moving to share that opportunity with them,” said Michael Olson, one of the graduate guest conductors of the night. “These students, they spend a lot of time in a lot of ensembles doing a lot of work in all of their classes, and for them to work so hard and come together on a night like this, and share such a spectacular concert with everyone.

“You can’t ask for anything better.”

Beyond the baton, the night also recognized excellence within the ensemble. Two Symphony Band members were awarded scholarships, honoring their commitment both on and off the stage.

For new voices on the podium to well earned recognition, many say the concert struck all the right notes and closed the year on a high note for Troy University’s Symphony Band.