By KARI BLURTON
Hays Post

Three Hays students are headed to Lawrence Friday to join the Kansas John Philip Sousa Junior Honor Band concert held on the campus of the University of Kansas on Saturday.

According to Hays Middle School band director Marcus Bishop, Spencer Wittkorn, an eighth-grader at Hays Middle School and ninth-graders Abby Kennemer from Hays High and Autumn Hohmann from Thomas More Prep-Marian auditioned along with 400 students from across the state in October to earn the honor.

The students “will be joining over 200 other students from grades 6 to 9 from the state of Kansas for rehearsals (Friday) evening and (Saturday) morning culminating in a concert (Saturday) afternoon at the Lied Center in Lawrence,” Bishop said.

Wittkorn earned a spot as second chair percussion for the “top band,” also known as the “Blue Band.” Hohmann, a trumpet player, also earned a place on the Blue Band.

Kennemer, who plays the trumpet, was selected for the “Red Band.”

“It’s KU. They have to get their colors in there somewhere,” Bishop laughed.

Bishop said it is “pretty unusual” as all three of the students were selected for the band last year, as well.