Edina High band showcases recent touring, Midwest Clinic presentation

Edina High School’s concert band performed a brief presentation to the Edina Public Schools board on March 9, highlighting recent community and national engagements.

Paul Kyle, director of bands at Edina High School, told the board the program emphasizes “durable skills that prepare young people for life,” linking daily ensemble practice to communication, collaboration and creative problem solving. He introduced several students who described how recent opportunities — a pit performance at the Bloomington Arts Center and a presentation at the Midwest Clinic in Chicago — expanded their musical and professional learning.

Trumpet player Sophie said playing in the Bloomington Arts Center pit was “so fun” and that audience members approached students afterward to praise the live music. Trombone player Rywick said the Midwest Clinic presentation was “life-changing,” noting the pressure of an international stage taught the ensemble to listen to each other and tighten intonation. Clarinetist Ethan said he entered a raffle at the clinic and won a piece of music the band will perform in the spring.

Band students also discussed local festival performances and preparations for a world premiere of Joanne Harris’s Portages of Time, a piece created in part from students’ words and videos. Tenth-grade clarinetist Elelliana said the collaborative composition process made the piece “so much more meaningful” for the students preparing to perform it.

Board members thanked the students and staff for the presentation and invited them to pose for a photograph. The board’s remarks framed the showcase as an example of the district’s emphasis on arts education and student growth.

The board proceeded to other agenda items after the presentation.