For the first time in Kent City School history, one of its students – Katie Schneider-Thomas– has been invited to join the Bands of America Honor Band, which has performed in multiple Rose Bowl Parades in California.
The 300-piece BOA is scheduled to perform in the 132nd Rose Parade, scheduled for Jan. 1, 2021, which for the first time in its history is expected to include members representing all 50 states. Students from all high schools in America are allowed to audition for the honor.
“Katie is our first student to participate in this group,” said band director Jonathan Schnicke. “It is a testament to her hard work and dedication and I am so proud of her.”
“I am so honored to have been selected for this band, and I am super excited for the trip to Pasadena and the opportunity to be a part of an ensemble composed of the most talented kids across the country,” said Katie. “I am so excited to represent Kent City and Michigan in this band.”
Katie, a senior, is Kent City’s first-chair clarinet player, has been a drum major for the band, has one of the top-rated Duo Interpretation skits for the school forensics team, played Maria in the school’s production of “The Sound of Music,” choreographed the production of the “Wizard of Oz,” and is active in her church and community theater, said Schnickie.
