LCMS band to perform at convention

By Stephanie Bertholdo bertholdo@theacorn.com

JANN HENDRY/Acorn Newspapers CONDUCTING CLASS-Lindero Canyon Middle School Band Director Matt McKagen leads the band rehearsal in preparation for a performance next week in Fresno.

The Concert Band at Lindero Canyon Middle School in Agoura Hills will represent all state middle schools at the California Band Directors Association convention Feb. 18 in Fresno.

The 92-member band is directed by Matt McKagen.

The longtime Lindero music teacher has become somewhat of a community folk hero for his ability to motivate students to play musical instruments. He instills such a love of music that some students quickly become accomplished musicians.

McKagen deflects praise and attributes success of the school’s music program to supportive parents.

"These kids are all dedicated enough to take lessons, and their parents are supportive enough to pay for them," McKagen said. "It’s not a cheap thing to do."

The children play woodwinds, brass and percussion instruments; most start in beginning band in 6th grade and join the concert band by 8th grade.

McKagen said that he expects his students to practice at least one half hour per day. This often is not difficult.

"Since most of them take lessons, it’s usually more than that," he said.

McKagen said the concert band will perform as a demonstration band at the convention. The performance is not a competition.

Concert band students play woodwind, brass, and percussion instruments, and concentrate their efforts primarily on classical music.

McKagen said he sent in an audition tape from a previous music festival, which included such scores as "Into the Raging River," "In Times of Triumph," and "High Water Mark"—to name a few.

Three students—Stephanie Menges, Katherine Doh, both of whom play the clarinet, and Ryan Greenfield, who plays alto saxophone and keyboard—captured the additional honor of being selected for the All State Honors Band.

About a thousand students throughout California auditioned for the state band, said a school official. The trio will arrive in Fresno a day earlier than the Lindero band and give a separate performance.

"We are honored to have been chosen," McKagen said.