By: Robert Garcia
Tulare-Kings Music Educators Association Honor Band is a student ensemble made up of the best players from high schools all across the county. These students have auditioned to be apart of the band. It’s an amazing way for others to express themselves and represent their band.
In Honor band, you’ll need to be committed for it as they only have 3 rehearsals in total and expect for you to practice on your own before showing up to any of the rehearsals.
Mr. Ray was once a conductor for TKMEA Honor Band and thinks that “it’s great to bring kids together and put on a concert in a short amount of time, it’s really cool” Mr. Ray has also been the conductor for 7 years, however, he cannot do so anymore because “My schedule doesn’t allow it, I have just been too busy.”
“I’m just really proud of all the kids that tried out, we had a great showing here at Redwood… super proud of all the kids that made it…” – Mr. Ray
Jackson Abbot ‘20, first chair trumpet, has been playing since 5th grade, he was inspired to play in TKMEA Honor Band as his mother once played the flute. “My mom inspired me to play an instrument because she played an instrument all throughout high school.” Honor is also very difficult so, you “would have to learn the music on your own” it takes good practicing skills.
Michelle Yang ‘22, flute player, wanted a chance to prove not just to herself, but to others that she could try out and make it. “I wanted to try out to prove to be able to do it and make it.” Michelle did also mention that she also did have a private teacher and also wanted “to prove to her that I could make it.”
Trying out for such high expectations could be scary, but to Michelle “it was a really positive environment” which shows that there’s nothing to worry about. As for everyone else, they to seem kind and “very encouraging.”
“I think that it’s good to meet other people from other schools and to meet them with the same interest in as you…” – Michelle Yang
TKMEA Honor Band doesn’t always have to seem as if something you have to do or meet the expectations given, honor band could be meant to unite people together and get to know one in another which is an amazing way to start friendships.