Several student musicians from Kirtland High School, Kirtland Middle School, and Shiprock High School have made it to the district and state honor band this year. The talented musicians have made their schools proud by showcasing their skills at these prestigious events.
Shiprock High School student-musicians (from left to right) Ireland Shorty, Mikayla Shorty and Donte Nelson have represented their school in local honor bands.
The district and state honor band is an annual event that brings together the best student musicians from across New Mexico. Students who make it to these bands are considered the cream of the crop and are recognized for their exceptional musical abilities.
For high school students, being in the honor bands for their senior year is a way to "put yourself out there," which was mentioned by Dakari White, a tenor saxophone player for KCHS.
"Preparing for the honor band is not very difficult if you keep your mind calm and ready," mentioned Denisa Julianto. Our students know what it takes to perform at the highest, but they shared how it can be challenging to show up with other students you have never met before and to sound perfect only within a day.
"Everyone is on the same page. We had yet to meet all the new students, and we are all from different schools. It's the practice that prepares us before meeting everyone for the first time," Hope Chapman stated.
Kirtland Central High School student-musicians who attend the district, state, and/or the upcoming Fort Lewis College honor band
Many students who participated in the district and state honor band are now preparing for the Fort Lewis Honor Band, which is scheduled to take place in February. The Fort Lewis Honor Band is another significant honor for these talented musicians, and they are excited to represent their schools once again.
Tzeitel Manuelito, a musician from Kirtland Middle School, shares how important it is for her to pursue music as she participates in the Fort Lewis honor band. "Joining high school band and one day making state honor band is my goal." Manuelito also mentions that she has ambitions to become a band director as a career.
Kirtland Middle School student-musicians who attended the district, state, and/or the upcoming Fort Lewis College honor band
The student's hard work and dedication have paid off, and they are grateful for the opportunity to showcase their musical talents. Their schools are proud of their accomplishments and wish them the best of luck as they prepare for the upcoming Fort Lewis Honor Band.
The list of all students who have qualified for each honor band in the area.
Northwest New Mexico Music Educators Association District Honor Band
Shiprock High School
Donte' Nelson
Ireland Shorty
Mikayla Shorty | Kirtland Central High School
Adrian Anderson
Aspen Veith
D.J. Julianto
Dakari White
Hope Chapman
Kimora Yonnie
Kylie Wargo
Michelle Henderson | Kirtland Middle School
Jasmine Racoma
Lilly Wargo
Makyra Thomas
Noah Henry
Zoey Brown |
All-State Small School Honor Band
Shiprock High School
Donte' Nelson
Mikayla Shorty | Kirtland Central High School
Kylie Wargo
Hope Chapman
Dakari White
D.J. Julianto |
Fort Lewis College Honor Skyhawk Band
Shiprock High School
Clint Light
Donte' Nelson
Ireland Shorty
Lamford Lee
Mikayla Shorty | Kirtland Central High School
Adrian Anderson
Aspen Veith
Dakari White
Hope Chapman
Kylie Wargo
Lilyana Naranjo | Kirtland Middle School
Alison Pine
Arianna Johnson
Laila Pinto
Lilly Wargo
Makyra Thomas
Tzeitel Manuelito |