Next month, Katie Kimmel will make history.

Kimmel, a junior, will become the first student in the 51-year history of Southmoreland High School to make it into the National Association for Music Education 2014 All National Honors Band.

“I was really shocked and just in disbelief. I still am,” said Kimmel. “I didn’t think I would make it.”

On October 26-29 Kimmel will travel with her music instructor who she’s been working with since freshman year, Mrs. Jamie Gore, to Tennessee to play with the Honors Band at the Grand Ole Opry House. The performance will also feature the Boston Brass, the U.S. Army Field Band & Soldiers’ Chorus, and Ben Folds; who appeared as a judge on NBC’s “The Sing Off.”

After seven years in the music field, Kimmel finds it very difficult to go throughout her day without music.

“I need that mid day stress relief,” said Kimmel, “Or I’ll go crazy.”

In May, Kimmel had to make a recording of her playing the audition piece to get into this prestigious organization. With musicians from all around the continental United States, the band will contain about 100-115 members. But in Westmoreland County, Kimmel was one of the few selected.

At first, Kimmel wasn’t sure who would be paying for this trip to Tennessee. She had some money saved but not nearly enough to make a trip to another state that’s almost 750 miles away.

At a Southmoreland School Board meeting in August, Kimmel and Gore’s trip to Tennessee was approved. Kimmel plans on playing at one of the School Board meetings to show her appreciation toward their decision.

“Katie is one of the hardest working students that I know. She’s always quick to offer help to anyone in need,” said Mrs. Gore. “This honor couldn’t have fallen on a more deserving lady.”

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Bailey Geehring

I am a senior and a second year editor for the Tam O'Shanter. I will attend California University of Pennsylvania in the fall to pursue a career as a Speech-Language Pathologist.
"Be a rainbow in someone else's cloud"- Maya Angelou

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