Many Mid-Prairie band students didn’t let summer slow down their instrumental practice and performance. Current Golden Hawks, staff, alumni and even parents of band students make up at least half of the members of the Washington Municipal Band.
Washington Municipal Band Director Tom McNamar said, “Mid-Prairie has become a very important member of the Washington Municipal Band.”
The 2019 summer season recently ended after a large number of performances in Washington and surrounding communities. Performances took place at the United Presbyterian Church, Central Park band stand on Thursday nights, the Trek Fest parade and at a variety of care centers in Washington.
McNamar also praised the three outstanding MP staff members, David Kunz, Lauren DiGiorgio and Norman Brooks, who participate with their own skills while encouraging their students to commit and play in the band too.
“All the Mid-Prairie kids have had a solid foundation of teaching and in general they are good kids,” he said, “I’ve been impressed with how they are self-starters and are committed to showing up and being on time.”
While the band is open to everyone, it encourages members to be 8th grade or older. The members’ sight reading abilities are crucial and are challenged with the schedule of only one two-hour rehearsal on Mondays to prepare for each Thursday’s one-hour performance.
“The opportunity for the students to practice sight reading and listen to older, more experienced band members play is invaluable,” McNamar said.
McNamar hopes the students also see the value of how music and instrumental play can be a lifelong activity well into their older years as long as their bodies allow.
Mid-Prairie High School band director, David Kunz also praised the students’ efforts and hopes that they continue and that more students participate.
“The Washington Municipal Band would not be as good as it is without the contribution of Mid-Prairie band students,” Kunz said. “The Washington Municipal Band is a great opportunity to grow as a musician and play alongside skilled, experienced musicians. We play new music every week and students sight-reading skills improve and grow.”
McNamar said, “It’s been a pleasure to see them grow and blossom over the years in all genres, like marching band, jazz band, etc. I can’t say enough how we appreciate the MP staff and students and I hope they see playing as a long lasting activity.”
The following members of the Washington Municipal Band are connected to Mid-Prairie.
David Kunz - MP staff, MPHS Band Director
Norman Brooks - MP staff, MPMS 5th Grade Band Director &
Lauren DiGiorgio - MP staff
Liz Harris - MP staff
Sara Aldrich-Reitz - MP staff
Tara Richardson - student
Gabby Knepp - student
Gracie Lucas - student
Carlee Miller - former student
Paula Richardson - mother of student
Rosalia Kazakov - alum
Abigail Fleming - student
Anna Fleming - student
Angelina Kazakov - alum
Tristan Novy - student
David Fleming - alum
Marina Richardson - student
Emily Righter - student
Lubov Kazakov - alum
Gavin Fraust - student
Eric Hovde - student
Ty Waters - former student
Cooper Thomas - student
Carissa Vance - student
Elizabeth Meader - student
Austin Bontrager - student
Sierra Mathews - alum
Emily Meader - alum