Small Town School, Big-Time Victory

By Autumn Gavlock
FARWELL- In an applause worthy showcase of musical talent and dedication, members of the Bucktail High School Band shined at the Pennsylvania Music Educators Association (PMEA) District 4 Band Festival, marking a milestone achievement for their small-town music program. Over the course of the three-day festival from January 23-25,2025, two standout students earned principle chairs in their respective sections, securing top spots and advancing to the prestigious Regional III Band Festival in March, breaking new ground in Bucktail Band history.

Kedda Bissman, an 11th grade percussionist was named Principal Chair in Percussion, ranking as the top percussionist out of 10. Securing her spot to compete at the advancing level, the PMEA Regional III Band Festival.
This marks a significant improvement for Kedda, who earned 7th chair last year. When interviewing Kedda, the Record asked her what she did differently to prepare for this year’s audition. “I planned a day with the Mansfield college percussion director and got to work through some music with him to help me improve on my skill set and countless hours practicing on my own and with Mr. Kahley” said Kedda.

Having played percussion since the 4th grade, Kedda is no stranger to the commitment it requires to succeed in these types of competitive festivals. It’s with nothing short of pure dedication and commitment to music that Kedda has become a multi-instrumentalist, successfully learning to play over ten instruments over the last six years.

Although, Kedda’s musical talents do not end with her instrumental abilities, Kedda also is a part of Bucktail High School’s newly reestablished choir program and will be representing her school at the PMEA District 4 Choir Festival in February. Kedda credits a lot of her success in music and this year’s festival principal chair placement to her family for always supporting her and her love for music in every way possible, specifically her mother. “My mom was waiting by the phone after auditions and again when chair placements were announced to see how things went, I knew that regardless of how things turned out my mom would be there for me no matter what and that means so much to me to have that relationship with my mom.” Kedda went on to say “ When I found out I got first I immediately called my mom crying because I was so excited and shocked and she and her coworkers all started cheering!” beamed Kedda.

Senior Michael Goss, who has been playing trumpet since the 3rd grade, claimed the Principal Chair for Trumpet 2 ranking top out of 4 securing his spot alongside Bissman at Regionals in March. This is Michael’s 3rd and final year at the PMEA District 4 Band Festival, marking a high point of his high school music career remarkably tripling his score from last year. Michael has been playing Trumpet for almost ten years, a perfect testimony to the importance of music education at an elementary level, Michael’s passion and love for the Trumpet initiating in the 3rd grade and lasting even now, with no plans to stop!

Both students’ success is an affirmation of their dedication and the hard work of Bucktail’s music program.
Under the leadership of Band Director Brandon Kahley, who also serves as the choir and general music teacher, the band has flourished over the past three years. Kahley’s commitment to his students, along with his ability to inspire and guide them, has been key to their accomplishments. Returning for his third year at the PMEA District 4 Band Festival, Kahley was full of enthusiasm for his talented students and confident in their abilities to succeed. “Although this is only my third year attending a PMEA Band Festival as a director, I’m no novice to these events. I participated in and competed at these festivals during my own high school days, so this year’s success feels like a full-circle moment for me as both a music enthusiast and educator,” commented Kahley.

He also shared that after the chair placements and scoring were given to directors, he learned of his students’ successes before they did. “I knew I couldn’t contain my excitement, so I hid in the director’s room to keep my facial expressions from giving it away. It wasn’t until I knew they were about to announce the placements that I came out to witness their reactions,” Kahley recalled.

Bucktail High School’s success didn’t stop with Bissman and Goss. Other students, including Martin Lewis (Tuba), Trenton Goodling (Baritone), and Willow Kitchen (Clarinet), also participated, representing the school at this prestigious festival.

The PMEA District Band Festival brings together individual students from different school districts for a weekend of intense rehearsals and collaboration. Participants, who have auditioned to secure their spots, rehearse together as a single honors ensemble and conclude the event with a public concert. For Bucktail, this year’s festival was not only an opportunity for students to shine, but also a chance to showcase the strength and talent of their small-town music program and demonstrate that it is not the size of the school that matters but the size of their hearts for music.

Looking ahead, both Kedda and Michael are preparing for the Regional III Band Festival, which will take place from March 5-7, 2025, at Altoona Area High School Hosted by Bradford Area School District. This event will feature the top student musicians from across the region and Bucktail will once again spare no effort to make their mark. Those who excel will again advance to PMEA All-State Festival-Conference in April.

As for Bucktail’s Band Director Brandon Kahley, he has been diligently preparing for a busy spring season of musical events, ensuring his students are well-prepared for multiple upcoming performances. In addition to leading his advancing students through rehearsals and preparations for the Regional III Band, Kahley is also preparing for the PMEA District Choir this Thursday, February 6-8 at Huntington Area High School where Kedda Bissman (Alto1) and Matthew Miles (Bass1) will represent their school. While also balancing preparations and rehearsals for County Band Fest which is scheduled for March 11 at 6:30 p.m. at Bucktail Area High School. His unwavering dedication and commitment to Bucktail’s music program and its student’s musical growth is admirable and merits recognition.

The accomplishments of Kedda Bissman, Michael Goss, and their fellow Bucktail High School musicians showcases the power of dedication, hard work, and community support.

Their success at the PMEA District 4 Band Festival serves as a vivid example of what can be achieved when students are given the opportunity to thrive in a supportive and inspiring environment.

As they continue to prepare for the upcoming Regional III Band Festival and other spring events, Bucktail’s music program serves as a confirmation to the lasting impact of quality music education and the passion of its students and educators. With such talented individuals leading the way, the future of Bucktail’s music program looks brighter than ever.

The Bucktail High School Band is currently fundraising for new band uniforms to ensure their musicians look as polished as they perform. These uniforms are essential for showcasing the pride and dedication of the band at upcoming events. Community support is crucial to this effort, and donations can be made directly to the Bucktail Band Boosters.

Every contribution helps bring the band one step closer to their goal.