By Holly Ojendyk
Ten exceptional musicians from Benicia Middle School’s Symphonic Band were selected as part of the North Bay Honor Band this year. This prestigious group includes Xavier Kipping, Devin Rorke, Garrison McNutt, Stephen Newcomb, Michael Chou, Neel Kishnani, Clare Rodgers, Anna Babcock, Mikayla Stotler and Alya Ruiz. Neel Kishnani was also awarded State Honor Band status.
The North Bay Honor Band is composed of 62 student musicians from 11 middle or junior high school in Solano and Yolo counties. The students gathered at Pioneer High School in Woodland for a January 20th concert. Under the direction of guest conductor Bruce Tipton, music teacher at Vanden High School, the group performed five songs including a piece commissioned by middle school music teachers from the Pacific Northwest title Mazama.
