Four students from Hmong College Prep Academy were selected to participate in the 2019 University of St. Thomas Honor Band Festival.

The all-day event featured the top band students from 43 schools from throughout the state. Participants were provided instruction from University of St. Thomas faculty, small group lessons for their specific instrument and a tour of the campus. The event closed with an evening concert lead by internationally renowned conductor Dario Sotelo, President of the World Association of Symphonic Bands and Ensembles, and featured a performance of pieces based on traditional Brazilian folk music.

HCPA students who took part in the Honor Band Festival were juniors Skyler Xiong and Mathyus Yang, sophomore Maung Nine Paw and freshman Andy Thao.

“I am so proud of our students,” stated HCPA Band Director Roy Pienaar after attending the event. “What a fantastic concert! It was an absolute joy to see our Warriors perform in a special event like this. To get four participants selected to this prestigious festival is a testament to the hard work of these students.”

Hmong College Prep Academy is located at 1515 Brewster Street in St. Paul, southeast of the Minnesota State Fairgrounds. For more information about the school, interested parties can call 651-209-8002 or online at www.hcpak12.org.

Photo provided by Hmong College Prep Academy: 2019 University of St. Thomas Honor Band Festival participants from Hmong College Prep Academy: Maung Nine Paw, 10th grade, clarinet, Skyler Xiong, 11th grade, flute. Mathyus Yang, 11th grade, clarinet, Andy Thao, 9th grade, trumpet. HCPA Middle/High School Band and Piano Teacher Roy Pienaar is also pictured (far left).