Mighty Apache goes to Kentucky

GONZALES — The Gonzales High School Mighty Apache Band is sending one of its own off this weekend to the National FFA Convention and Expo in Louisville, Ken. Considering the recent continuation of success the band has won, it is no wonder to expect this level of achievement.

“I’ll be playing in the convention and I’ll be playing at every session we have,” said senior clarinetist Kirstin McKinney. She will have several days to practice before the convention kicks off next Wednesday when she and other talented students entertain the crowds through band performances, choral arrangements and other talents.

McKinney will join other band members from across Texas and the nation. When they sit down to rehearse, they will see a piece of music they have likely never performed and will be tasked with learning their parts for presentation. It is a scenario that is not unlike UIL region band tryouts here at home.

“Last year was the first time I had ever even heard of it,” she said of the band. It was brought to her attention by her ag teacher, Mr. Washington, and she figured it would be a cool thing to do. Auditions were held last April where she had to record a piece and post it to YouTube for judges to critique.

“I had to record playing my solo piece, my chromatic scale and a scale of my choice,” McKiney said. About a month later, she was invited to join the band.

“I’m pretty excited for it,” she said.

“Oh, I’m excited for her. I’ll probably cry when she leaves but I am excited for her,” said her mother and band booster president, Pam. “It’s a once-in-a-lifetime thing.”

Band Director José Villarreal chimed in, saying that this was the first time he had a student selected to the National FFA Band. In fact, this was the first time he had heard of it.

“We are excited that she is not only representing the program but the school and the district and the community. She’s going to do a wonderful job over there,” he said.

You can catch the convention live on RFD-TV or follow along on Twitter with the hashtag #FFAonRFD.