Michael Bicknell, master of Pittsburg Masonic Lodge No. 187, has announced final selection of Frontenac and Pittsburg High School musicians for the 2008 Kansas Masonic All-State High School Band.
Selection is made on the basis of musical ability, instrument needs of the proposed band, timely application and other issues.
Frontenac High School students selected for the band are: Leah Fletcher, senior, percussion; Camillia Fearmonti, junior, flute; Jessica Walker, junior, percussion; and Kassandra Buffington, junior, mellophone/French horn.
Pittsburg High School students chosen are: Logan Johnson, sophomore, alto saxophone; Matthew Newport Jr., trumpet; Kam Konek, sophomore, trumpet; Kevin Parsons, sophomore, quads; Jennifer Cronister, senior, clarinet; Steven Gabrick, sophomore, percussion; and Bo Hughes, freshman, tuba.
Several students have also been placed on the “alternate” list, and may be invited to fill vacancies. Those from FHS are Kirsten Redd, sophomore, and Natasha Roberts, junior, both clarinet players. From PHS are Hannah Wolgamott, junior, alto sax, and Garrett Gebhardt, sophomore, bass drum.
“Our lodge is extremely proud of these students, and also the faculty and administration of USD 249 and USD 250 in lending their encouragement and support to this great effort,” Bicknell said. “We are continually amazed at the large number of students who take part in this program. Once again the Pittsburg-Frontenac community will be represented by the largest contingent of students from any city in the state.”
Students will gather July 22 at Emporia State University as members of a 225-member band to undergo a week of intensive training in music and formation marching. They will perform a concert at a banquet on July 25, then will lead the parade and perform a halftime show at the annual Kansas Shrine Bowl Football Game on July 26.
Attendance fee of $250 for each student is provided by the lodge, with assistance from several Masonic related organizations, civic groups and individuals. In addition to the sponsorship of Pittsburg Masonic Lodge No. 187 and Pittsburg York Rite Bodies, Bicknell extended special thanks to Rob Morris Chapter, Order of the Eastern Star, Mirza Shrine Directors Staff, Carmen and Arnold Flottman and Jeannine and Marvin Armstrong for their sponsorship.
PITTSBURG —
