Lakeview Jr.-Sr. High students Kain Custis and Jo Porter were selected to perform in the 57th Annual Louisiana Bandmasters Association All-Star Middle School Honor Bands. They performed in a concert at the University of Louisiana at Lafayette June 6. Both students were in eighth grade during the 2016-2017 school year, and have been in band for two years. They performed with other middle school students from around the state, many of whom have had up to four years of participation in band.  There are three L.B.A. All-Star Middle School Bands: the concert band, the symphonic band, and the wind ensemble, which is the most advanced group. These three ensembles are the only state-level honor bands for middle school students in Louisiana.

Kain Custis was the 1st chair baritone horn player in the L.B.A. All-Star Symphonic Band, and was ranked 3rd chair in the state on his audition. Jo Porter was the 4th chair trumpet player in the L.B.A. All-Star Wind Ensemble, and ranked 4th chair in the state on her audition.

The Symphonic Band was conducted by Thomas Burroughs of Denham Springs. Their program highlights included “Incantation and Ritual” by Brian Balmages, “Castle Gate 1924” by Tyler S. Grant, and “Fanfare on a Theme of Imagination” by Brian Balmages.

The Wind Ensemble was conducted by Simon Ng, Music Director of W.J.H. Music Studio and Schools in Singapore and China. Their performance consisted of “Golden Jubilee” by Simon Ng, “Blue Lake Reflection” by Ed Huckeby, and performances of popular music such as “Uptown Funk” and “You Raise Me Up,” which featured Dick Chan as the guest vocalist. Chan is a 17-year-old actor, television program host, and pop singer from Hong Kong, China.

“Kain and Jo gave an outstanding performance in the All-Star bands this summer.” said Lakeview Jr.-Sr. High band director Denise Roper. “Everyone at Lakeview is so proud of them, especially since they are the first two students from our school to participate in this event. It was an incredible musical experience that I hope will be remembered fondly by the students and their families for the rest of their lives.”