KINGMAN – Kingman High School’s Joseph McCoy was selected for the third consecutive year by audition for the 2025 Arizona All-State Honor Band. Nearly 600 excelling high school instrumental musicians auditioned for the prestigious ensemble on March 8th during live auditions held at Gilbert High School.
All auditioners were required to first pass through regional tryouts, performing in area honor ensembles in February 2025. McCoy earned a third chair placement in the 2025 state honor band against 36 other high school tuba players from across Arizona.
Joining the Kingman Unified School District #20 band program in fifth grade, McCoy has earned many individual and group awards with the Kingman middle and high school bands.
McCoy has received Superior ratings at festivals and has earned state and regional honor band placements. Joseph recently auditioned to become a music major at Northern Arizona University (NAU).
“Joseph’s natural talent and passion for music was readily recognized from the get go. It was evident that music would take him places,” says KUSD Music Coordinator Julie Gragg. Gragg was McCoy’s elementary and middle school band director.
“Joseph has tremendous dedication and drive – every free moment he has, he is coming into the band room and honing in on his musical skills,” says Stephanie Firestone, Kingman High School Band Director.
Over 100 members of the 2025 Arizona All-State Band will gather at Northern Arizona University to rehearse April 10-12. The experience will culminate with a performance by the state’s best band, choir and orchestra high school students. The final event will be held at NAU’s 1500-capacity Ardrey Auditorium on Saturday, April 12.
