Mehsband
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The nationally-ranked, Mount Eden High School Instrumental Music Program is currently a small group from a relatively large school in Hayward, California. This band program is composed of musicians from the 8th through 12th grade. The members are exposed to basic music theory, intermediate to advanced musical concepts, rehearsal techniques, and performance excellence.
Under the direction of Mr. Kevin Cato, the band has had the opportunity to compete in numerous state and national competitions. Most recently, their success in the 2005-2006 school year allowed The Mt. Eden High School Band to be recognized and nominated as one of the TOP 20 BANDS IN AMERICA to compete in the 2006 FESTIVAL OF GOLD held in Boston, Massachusetts. They're also invited to tour and perform in the 2008 Olympics in Beijing, China as well. This recognition is an immense honor for the City of Hayward and the State of California.
A collective center for all general band information can be found at www.mehsband.com
Contents |
[edit] Ensembles
Marching Band
Jazz Band ("The Swingin' Monarchs")
Orchesta
Wind Ensemble/Chabot Youth Wind Symphony
Percussion Ensemble/Drumline
Beginning Piano/Keyboards
[edit] About the Band Director
Kevin T. Cato has a BA in Music, a Minor in Dance from California State University Hayward and a MFA in Dance and Choreography from Mills College in May 2003. He has been teaching and choreographing dance and colorguard since 1992. Kevin has performed and been featured with various music and dance ensembles, including Living Space, and has accompanied dance performances in the Bay Area.
He has performed in works by Kathleen Wagner, Ann Westwick, Kathleen McClintock, Laura Ellis, Laura Wilson, Mary Cochran, Ruth Botchan, and Capacitor. He was the accompanist and rehearsal assistant to Mary Cochran at the Jofferey Midwest Workshop in 2001. On May 1, 2004 he premiered a new composition in Nina Hafts' project, Mountain Views, called Paradox 7, and participated as a performer as well. He is a current member of the Ruth Botchan Dance Company.
Kevin serves as the Artistic Director for Dreamscape Arts, which is a performing arts group that educates youths and adults in dance and music. He is an accomplished composer, singer/song writer, musician, choreographer, costume designer, sound engineer, and teacher. He has taught at various schools throughout the Bay Area since 1992 in music and dance and serves as the current band director at Mt. Eden High School, where he was a two-time honoree of Who's Who Among America's Educators.
[edit] Philosophy of Music
"Music is present in our everyday environment, whether we are conscious of it or not. It springs from the sounds of nature to the constructs of our modern day society. I believe that every student can learn to some capacity with motivation, interest, and dedication toward their desires. Let each of us be musicians, if music is what moves us en route to learning responsibility, respect, knowledge, skill, persistence, humanity, culture, socialization, team work, unity, individuality, loyalty, community, intelligence, wisdom, and ultimately, happiness. Every voice would be heard and every instrument would sound in perfect harmony. It is my goal to encourage music into your life and hopefully let it take you to a better tomorrow."
-Kevin Cato, band director
