LEXINGTON, Ohio — Cameron Kindred was on cloud nine last week.
Not only did the Lexington High School senior qualify for the Ohio Music Education Association All-State Band–a feat that only 11 student trumpet players throughout the state achieved–but he was also selected first chair.
The All-State Band performed at the Duke Energy Convention Center in Cincinnati on Friday, Jan. 29.
This was Cameron’s second year in a row to qualify for All-State Band.
“I was definitely excited going into it,” he said. “I didn’t expect to get first chair.”
Cameron, 18, is the son of Chris and Mary Ann Kindred.
“We were so excited for him,” Mary Ann said.
Leading up to the big concert on Friday, Cameron spent all day Wednesday and Thursday rehearsing with his fellow All-State Band members.
“It was exhausting,” he said. “We played for like 14 hours a day.”
Despite the long hours, Cameron said it was fun getting to meet the other students and playing with some of the best high school musicians in the state.
Cameron started playing trumpet in middle school, toward the end of his seventh grade year. He previously played percussion before making the switch.
“It was a crazy change,” he said. “I had to take a lot of lessons to get caught up to speed and put a lot of work into it, but I got there.”
He continues to put in the time to excel in his trumpet-playing abilities by taking private lessons and participating in a number of school and area bands. He has been in the Lexington Band of Gold Marching Band, the school symphonic band, jazz band, honors band and orchestra. He’s also been in the Mansfield Symphony Youth Orchestra and regional orchestra.
He also takes post-secondary courses at North Central State College.
When it comes to deciding upon a major for college, he said he’s still weighing his options. But one thing’s for sure–he would like to continue playing music.
He’s planning on auditioning for the trumpet program at Mt. Vernon Nazarene University, where’s he’s considering to attend college.
