Going the extra “musical” mile

BKW students providing the extra effort to support the BKW music program. From left to right: Lily Sisson, Paisley Bunt, Kathryn Joslin, Karleigh Kehrer
and Jena Sisson.
BKW students providing the extra effort to support the BKW music program. From left to right: Lily Sisson, Paisley Bunt, Kathryn Joslin, Karleigh Kehrer and Jena Sisson.

Each year, we feature students, faculty, and staff to highlight their commitment to being better every day. Today, we focus on a group of students who are lending their musical talent to the music department and its various performances and productions. This special group of musicians is expanding their creative horizons and using their personal time to learn new music and assist in musical productions while keeping their passion for music moving forward. They are also adding their creative footprint to our district’s music program for our listening pleasure.

Each student listed below is currently involved in four or more ensembles for the BKW Music Department, plus extras performing opportunities to represent BKW. Did we mention they are utilizing their own time (flex time, study halls, before and after school) to learn challenging music from different ensembles to help support the music department while enhancing their technique and skills? 

“They are intrinsically motivated, do not receive additional high school credit for their efforts, and go above and beyond everyday helping their section, their fellow student musicians, and the BKW music department,” said BKW Musical Director Mrs. Dana Higgins. “We are incredibly honored to share in their commitment to our district in keeping our music program moving forward in a positive direction.”

The participating students are sharing that thought process.

“When an opportunity arises you need to take that and challenge yourself,” shared seventh-grader Jena Sisson.

We are proud to recognize their effort and would like to highlight their dedication to their musical craft. They are as follows:

  • Lily Sisson (8th): Sr Band, Jr Band, Sr Chorus, Jr Chorus, All-County Band, NYSSMA Solo
  • Paisley Bunt (7th): Sr Band, Jr Band, Sr Chorus, Jr Chorus, Wind Ensemble, All-County Band, NYSSMA Solo
  • Kathryn Joslin (12th): Sr Band, Jr Band, Sr Chorus, Jazz Band, All-County Band, NYSSMA Solo
  • Karleigh Kehrer (8th): Sr Band, Jr Band, Sr Chorus, Jr Chorus, Jazz Band, All-County Band, NYSSMA Solo
  • Jena Sisson (7th): Sr Band, Jr Band, Sr Chorus, Jr Chorus, All-County Band, NYSSMA Solo