Practice, practice, practice.
It is an old saying Washburn Rural High School music dean and band director Luke Chaffee says has always applied to students honing their musical skills, but it is also one that has taken on greater importance in a school year where in-person activities, like traditional band or choir practices, have been all but impossible.
That is what makes this year’s slate of All-State music ensemble student honorees that much more impressive, Chaffee said.
The Kansas Music Educators Association named over two dozen Shawnee County students as All-State ensemble members or alternates of their respective choir, band and orchestra groups. They will perform this weekend in a one-of-a-kind, virtual gathering of some of the Kansas schools’ best musical talent.