KINGMAN – The first ever Kingman School District Honor Band performed for a crowd of nearly 100 at the Kingman High School Auditorium. The band was made up of eighteen top band students from Lee Williams High School and twenty were named from Kingman High School. The organizer of the event was the Kingman High School band and coral director Stephanie Firestone, and she explains the reason the District Honor Band was formed.
“For this state, there are so many fabulous musicians that it’s difficult for even some of our higher caliber or advanced players to make it into either region or All State. That’s where District band is going to come into play.”
Ms. Firestone won’t say it but this reporter will. There’s a certain prejudice against smaller districts when music, academic, and athletic honors are bestowed state-wide. Stephanie has a vision about where this band festival idea can go.
“With this event, I hope to reach out to schools in our area, our county, or even neighboring counties to be able to collaborate and just have an enjoyable experience together.”
During a pre-concert rehearsal, Lee Williams’ Student Band President, Mathew Soto, was asked about his feelings being selected to play in the District Honor Band.
“I’m feeling really excited. I’ve always loved playing in bands and especially in this band because it gives a more professional aspect because when you are playing at school, there are some kids in your band who might not be at the same level, or might not be as passionate, but here playing with all these kids, I’m playing with a group of people who are all passionate and excited about the same thing I am, so I’m really excited and hopeful about the concert.”
Five selections were played by the District Honor Band, including a World Premiere, if you will, called “Thruways” which was written especially for this event by a Kingman High School alumni, Will Whitten. He spoke to KHS students before the performance and was given a very warm welcome.
To close out the concert, the Williams/Kingman mixed all stars, performed the John Philip Sousa classic march, “Stars and Stripes Forecer”.
Many hours of band room and at home practice paid off for the 38 musicians making up the first KUSD District Honor Band.
