WORTHINGTON — Kyra Van Briesen, a senior alto saxophone player at Worthington High School, was named to the 2022 University of Minnesota High School Honor Band.
In order to be selected, she submitted an application with a recommendation from Mike Thompson, WHS director of bands, who praised her as an outstanding instrumentalist. She also had to record a 3 to 5 minute piece as an audition. All elements were scored and judged by a panel.
Van Briesen will spend Jan. 28-30 learning from skilled directors along with fellow wind and percussion instrumentalists at the Ted Mann Concert Hall on the U of M’s Twin Cities campus.
The group will prepare for a Sunday concert featuring “A John Zdechlik Celebration,” in recognition of the Minnesota composer who died in May 2020. The concert will feature the U of M Honor Band, U of M Brass Ensemble, U of M Jazz Ensemble I and Century College Concert Band.
Van Briesen was spotlighted in the Spirit of Worthington Trojan Marching Band, as well as the Jazz Band, and performs solos at the Region 2 solo/ensemble contest each year.
