KSD Middle and High School Performing Arts Students Shine at Recent Competitions and Auditions

Over the past month, Kirkwood School District middle and high school choir, band and orchestra students have competed and performed at regional events, earning placements in honor ensembles across St. Louis and Missouri.

High School Choir Recognition
Several KHS choir students auditioned at Maplewood–Richmond Heights High School on October 4 and were selected for the St. Louis Choir Directors Association Honor Choirs.

·   Reese McShane, soprano — selected for SSA Honor Choir

·   Jackson Money, tenor — selected for SATB Honor Choir

·   Jace Heigham Kunisada, bass — selected for SATB Honor Choir

Additionally, Heigham Kunisada’s high audition score earned him eligibility to audition for All-State Choir, which he was chosen for at an audition on November 8. The St. Louis honor choirs performed on Saturday, November 8, at Pattonville High School,l and the All-State Choir will perform at Tan-Tar-A, Lake of the Ozarks on January 31, 2026.

Middle School Honors — Bands & Orchestras
On Monday, October 20, middle school musicians auditioned at Clayton High School for MMEA All-Suburban Honors ensembles. Students from North Kirkwood Middle School and Nipher Middle School earned placements in Honor Band and Honor Orchestra, including:

Middle School MMEA All-Suburban Honor Band

·   North Kirkwood Middle School:
Clara Ramsay — Bb soprano clarinet
Jacob Ernst — horn

·   Nipher Middle School:
Alexandra Granier — Bb soprano clarinet
Ethan Detert — tenor saxophone
Adam Avery — horn

Middle School MMEA All-Suburban Honor Orchestra

·   Nipher Middle School:
Brendan Willoughby — violin
Caroline Vinyard — viola
Oliver Clemens — violin (alternate)

·   North Kirkwood Middle School:
Vivi Abate — violin
Serena Hughes — violin
Kiran Brosch — cello
Sami Gallo — cello
Thea Hafner — cello

All-Suburban Honors Orchestra — Sixth Grade

·   Nipher Middle School:
George Keiser — violin
Sami Emmert — viola
Patrick McCown — double bass
Mary Weitekamp — cello (alternate)

·   North Kirkwood Middle School:
Nicholas Baumann-Walker — violin
Patsy Scroggins — viola
Noah Meyer — cello
AJ Anderson — double bass

Congratulations to these students and their directors for their dedication, preparation, and outstanding performances.