Iola High School’s band won the class 4A Kansas State Concert Band title in competition Tuesday at Paola.
“We were just five points away from having a perfect score,” said Matt Kleopfer, the band’s director. “That’s a very high level.”
It was the first time Iola High’s band had won the title since 1992. The concert band has 47 members.
Coincidental to celebrating its success this morning, the band was recipient of a $500 donation from Danny Miller, a 1961 IHS graduate and now a California industrialist. Iolan Mary Kay Heard, who graduated with Miller and was a band member, made the check presentation.
“Danny wasn’t in band but loves all things about Iola High, and Iola, and wanted to help with your program,” she told Kleopfer.
Kleopfer said the donation would be used to buy instruments for the band, which has grown under his direction.
A banquet to honor the band and open to the public will be at 6 p.m. May 2 in the high school gymnasium. Tickets, available at the Bowlus Center, are $10 for adults and $5 for students. Children 4 and under will be admitted free.
IHS concert band earns top rating
