Photos By Jay Seidel/La Habra Journal - Smiling musicians: Students of Ken Hollon’s Advanced Band class at Imperial Middle School show off some of the new instruments donated to them by the Philharmonic Society of Orange County. Hollon’s class was chosen to receive the donation because of his dedication to teaching music to students.
When visual and performing arts coordinators across Orange County were asked to identify an inspiring music director who wanted to grow his or her school’s music program, La Habra City School District nominated Ken Hollon, instrumental music teacher from Imperial Middle School.
That request, from the Philharmonic Society of Orange County, came with the promise of a donation of new instruments for the teacher’s instrumental music program. The Philharmonic Society of Orange County selected five middle schools to receive new instruments intended to supplement their programs and engage more students in music, including Hollon’s program at Imperial.
His school received 15 new instruments, including an alto saxophone, a French horn, five clarinets, four flutes, and four trumpets. Over the last 12 years Mr. Hollon built the IMS band from just 20 students to over 90 students in beginning, intermediate and advanced band. In addition, he teaches percussion and world percussion as electives at IMS.
Many students get their first introduction to instrumental band in the After School Band Program that Hollon conducts for fourth and fifth grade students.
Hollon inspires all students to perform at advanced level and high school students often return to volunteer their time and help teach younger students. “We are truly honored to have been considered for this most generous gift! This will enable us to let more students experience the joys of learning to play musical instruments and help them gain additional character enhancing qualities that come with music education,” said Hollon. Rita Major, the Director of Education for the Philharmonic Society of Orange presented the new instruments to students and Hollon last week. Hollon’s Advanced Band students entertained attendees prior to the presentation.