The Kennedale band program, one of the best in Class 4A, proved it once again with a summer competition in which bands from Kennedale High School and Kennedale Junior High finished in the top ten. {{more}}
The Kennedale High School Symphonic Band, under the direction of head band director Erol Oktay, entered into two statewide competitions this summer: (1) the ATSSB Outstanding Performance Series (OPS), and (2) the TMEA Honor Band competition.
In the OPS competition, the KHS Symphonic Band?s recording of concert piece ?Symphonic Dance No.3? advanced to the state level and placed 9th in the concert category.
In the Honor Band competition, (the State equivalent naming the State Champion for Concert Band), the KHS Symphonic Band?s recording advanced to the state level and placed 6th overall. This gives Kennedale the distinction of being an Honor Band Finalist for the second time. The KHS assistant band director is DiMitri Higginbotham.
Kennedale Junior High Honor Band
The Kennedale Junior High Honors Band, under the direction of head band director Benjamin Brown, had two recordings in the OPS competition advance to state. Their March placed 9th in the march category, and their concert piece placed 11th in the concert category. The KJHS assistant band director is Eleanor Babcock.
Band Director Erol Oktay explained the importance of this achievement,
“.. we ranked 6th in the TMEA Honor Band Competition, which makes us an Honor Band “Finalist” for the second time in a row. Two years ago we placed 7th, and 4 years ago we placed 8th…we are working our way up the ladder. The Honor Band contest is considered the state equivalent of state champion for concert band.”
“I am very pleased and proud of our results… and especially of my kids.”
