Students perform at the Northwest KMEA Mini-Convention I Concert

Music holds a vital place in our lives, serving as a powerful medium for expression, connection, and inspiration. It transcends cultural boundaries, evoking emotions and memories that unify us. Whether through participating in a performance or simply listening, music enhances our experiences and enriches our understanding of the world. It fosters creativity and community, reminding us of the beauty of collaboration and the joy of shared moments. In an ever-changing world, music remains a constant source of comfort and motivation, highlighting its enduring importance in our lives.

And that music and connection filled the air in the Norton Junior/Senior High School Auditorium on Saturday, November 8th, when over 20 different junior high and high schools and over 200 music students gathered to perform at the Northwest KMEA Mini-Convention I Concert.

The music categories for the afternoon event were broken into three groups: the high school Honor Jazz Band, the junior high Honor Choir, and the junior high Honor Band. To be part of this special event, every student has to audition a few months before the concert and is then selected by a panel of judges.

The afternoon performance began on a high note with the high school Jazz Band. The Guest Clinician was Dr. Jack Cassidy, who has toured the world and performed with Blues Legend Junior Wells, Van Morrison, Ziggy Marley, Lou Rawls, and Buddy Guy, to name a few. He has also had the privilege of performing for Her Royal Highness, Princess Anne of Great Britain, and Princess Caroline of Monaco. His repertoire includes Jazz trumpeter, pianist/vocalist, band leader, composer, and educator. The music selections performed by the high school band students included songs by Duke Ellington and Ray Charles, highlighting each student's talent from Alto Sax to Trumpets.

Once the Jazz Band's swinging performance concluded, the junior high Honor Choir came together to give a lyrical performance, singing their four selections: 'Viva Mozart,' 'I Pharadisi,' 'Wild Mountain Thyme,' and 'Together We Sing,” ending their set with a bang! The Guest Clinician was Logan Caywood, the Director of Choirs at Arkansas City High School. He received his Bachelor of Music Education degree from Kansas State University and two Smithsonian Folkways World Music Pedagogy certificates from the University of Washington and the University of St. Thomas.

And last, but certainly not least, the junior high Honor Band ended the musical afternoon with their renditions of 'At Winds Dance,' 'Prehistoric Suite,' 'Lessons From Mother Earth,' and 'Blue Sky Horizons.' The audience was captivated, especially during 'Prehistoric Suite,' as the students brought the music to life. Guest Clinician Erik Stone also gave an energetic performance as their conductor, delighting the crowd. Stone, who is the Director of Bands and Vocal Music Teacher at Gordon Parks Academy in Wichita, was recognized by Wichita Public Schools as the 2023 Distinguished Classroom Teacher of the Year at the Middle School Level. He gave all the props to the students for their melodious performance.

The Stockton students who were part of this event were Tessa Look (Soprano), Addison Dix (Alto), Kyler Hrabe (Tenor), Kyndall Kee-Hahn (Soprano), Hudson Kriley (Tenor), Eli Atkisson (Tenor), Harper Lowry (Soprano), Ava McCoy (Soprano), Grayson Mongeau (Tenor), Lane Muir (Tenor), Remy Muir (Alto), Maverick Post (Tenor), Hadlee Sterling (Alto), and Hudson Muir (Flute). Paisley Shamburg (Alto) was not able to attend.

Stockton music teacher Megan Riener was the Chair for the junior high Honor Choir.