Whitney McCanles, a junior at Clinton High School, received the surprise of a lifetime as she was given a brand new Bach Stradivarius professional trumpet, courtesy of the Band of Angels organization.
Whitney, a section leader for the CHS marching band, was moved to tears as she received the exciting news. Whitney began her journey in instrumental music when she joined the Clinton Middle School band in 6th grade. She remembers seeing the high school band march the halls for homecoming in 5th grade and knowing that she wanted to be a part of the band. Since then, she has worked hard to be the sitting lead jazz trumpet for the WCMMEA Jazz Band, has qualified for state level solo honors, and has attended the McKendree University Honors Jazz Band in Illinois. She currently has scheduled campus visits to the University of Missouri and would like to be a part of their music programs.
“Many teachers can go an entire career without finding a kiddo like Whitney,” says CHS Band Director, Pat Miles. “She truly embodies the core values of our band program: Make music, and have fun! Myself, the Clinton Pride Band, and the Clinton School District are incredibly grateful for the outstanding gift that Band of Angels has awarded Whitney! A fantastic student will be making music for many years, thanks to their support!”
“I am so thankful for the opportunity this incredible organization has given me with this very generous gift,” says Whitney. “There will never be enough thank-yous for Mr. Miles and Band of Angels, but from the bottom of my heart thank you so much for everything you’ve done. This will be used for many years to come and I can’t wait to see what happens!”
Band of Angels was formed in 2010 as a not-for-profit partnership between WDAF-TV Fox 4 and Meyer Music. Band of Angels matches students with instruments and music camp scholarship thanks to the generosity of others. Learn more at bandofangels.org or contact Dawn Zerbs, dawnzerbs@bandofangels.org
Representing Band of Angels and Meyer Music at Clinton High School were: Samantha Prats, (Community Engagement Coordinator at Band of Angels),Tom Meyer (Owner of Meyer Music)Dawn Zerbs (Development Director at Band of Angels), and Michael Crabtree (Graphic Designer).
