HAZEN - They knew they'd done well when their director gave them a double "thumbs up" close to his vest, a secret sign, meant for their eyes only.

They'd played their best for him.

The Hazen High School Concert Band was chosen this year's Governor's Band and Tuesday the governor attended a concert in his honor.

They'd played as well as they'd ever been taught, in tribute to their director, Chris Harvey, and to Gov. John Hoeven, who they'll represent this year at various functions.

Hoeven would hear both "his" band and "his" concert choir at Dickinson High School the same day.

"This is as good as it gets," he said, after chatting up the band kids about their interests and activities during a caramel roll and juice reception afterward. "I maybe get more out of it than they do."

For the band, an entire student body sprung free to attend the concert and for many parents and community folks, it was a pretty good moment, too.

"This is something they'll remember forever," said Harvey.

He said his band works hard without complaint. He submitted an audition tape after it was selected by a group of music professionals and top-ranked student musicians to perform at the North Dakota Music Educators' Association's meeting this spring.

"It's nice to be recognized," Harvey said.

The governor's audition is open to all bands from any size school.

Jon Ellwein, a senior on the alto sax, said the band was excited, but not jittery to play for the governor.

He said it was good to see the band get the respect more often reserved for sports.

"Most people don't treat them equal," he said.

Ellwein would know. He could have been a basketball starter, but chose to save his wind for his saxophone, practicing up to four hours a day and taking private lessons.

He hopes to be a band director like Harvey someday.

"He's a great director," Ellwein said.

Harvey said he's taught all these students since they were in the fifth grade, developing relationships with them and their families.

In a moment at the microphone after the concert, Hoeven said he felt joy while listening to the band, a joy he hoped the audience shared.

He told the kids packed into the bleachers - pipsqueak kindergarteners next to full-grown seniors - to work hard, believe in themselves and have fun doing it.

"North Dakota can compete anytime, with anyone, anywhere," he said. "At Hazen High School, you wouldn't have a band that can play like this if the kids didn't feel that way."

(Reach reporter Lauren Donovan at 888-303-5511 or lauren.) @westriv.com