05/12/2026
Columbia Academy recently had four 6th grade band students attend the Central Minnesota Band Directors Association First and Second Year Honor Band Festival! This took place on Saturday, May 9th in Zimmerman, MN.
Participating students in this regional honor band were nominated by their school band director. Columbia Academy nominated eight students this year and four were selected. They were: Andrew Givens, alto saxophone; Pareese Richardson, clarinet; Matias Sagbay Landi, trumpet; and Jackson Surko, trombone.
Students were given a series of concert pieces ahead of time to practice in preparation for the event. On the day of the event, students joined other selected students from approximately 30 other regional middle schools and worked with retired Minnesota band director and composer, Tim Smith. The day ended with a concert for family and friends. It was truly an outstanding experience for our young musicians!
Congratulations to Andrew, Pareese, Matias, Jackson and their director Todd Boyd! They represented Columbia Heights with excellence!