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  • Verdigris Band Director Euell Hanna received the Exemplary Teacher Award, Kasley Kinkead and Sarah Groover were recently named members of the 2012 All State Bands. Salesha Wilken

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February 8, 2012

2012 All State Band honorees at VHS

Salesha Wilken Staff Reporter

VERDIGRIS — The Verdigris Jazz Band will perform on Feb. 17 during the Mid-Winter Band Festival in Claremore at the Robson Performing Arts Center with bands from around the state. Director Euell Hanna is looking forward to the contest continuing the tradition of excellence long celebrated at Verdigris High School.

Hanna and two Verdigris High School seniors, where recently honored by the Oklahoma Music Educators Association adding to a distinguished trophy case.

Hanna received the Exemplary Teacher Award, Kasley Kinkead and Sarah Groover were named members of the 2012 All State Bands.

“It was a surprise,” Hanna said. “When your peers choose you with so many good teachers out there it is a great honor.”

Hanna was honored at the event and received the Exemplary Teacher Award that recognizes a member that has demonstrated excellence in the teaching of music.

Hanna has been teaching at Verdigris for more than 25 years. He has led the high school jazz band to achieve recognition throughout the state of Oklahoma and surrounding areas.

Kinkead played trombone for the All State Jazz Band for the second year. Groover will be played string base in the All State Orchestra. All State musicians performed in January at the Oklahoma Music Educators Convention, but before the performers can take a breath they are back in the swing of things.

At the festival, jazz ensembles from all over the state will perform.

Mike Vax, long time lead trumpet for the Woody Herman band, will be on hand to clinic each group after their performance.  At 7 p.m. in the Black Box Auditorium of the Robson PAC, Oklahoma educator, Dr. Heath Jones from Oklahoma Christian University. Jones will perform live with his jazz quartet.  

Concert bands from around the area are performing in contest  Feb. 20 in the main theater of the Robson Performing Arts Center.  At 7 p.m. in the main theater, the Tulsa Community Band will perform with the Claremore High School Wind Ensemble.  Tickets are $10 for adults, $5 for students and seniors.  All tickets can be purchased at the door the evening of the performance.

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