KHS Band World Premiere

The Kokomo High School Band Department and its award-winning Fine Arts students wish to invite Kokomo to the World Premiere of the “Spirit of Innovation”.  This special piece of band music was composed by emerging composer, Adrian B. Sims, after being commissioned by KHS Band Director Brandon Anderson.   This World Premiere performance of the “Spirit of Innovation” will highlight the Band’s Winter Concert, Tuesday, March 22nd, at 6:30 p.m., in the KHS Auditorium.

“The pandemic limited the experiences for our band students – no live performances, no guest artists, no guest conductors – things that had become traditions. So, the Band instructors wanted to do something extra special to fill some of those voids,” Mr. Anderson explained. “This process began near the beginning of this school year when I contacted a young composer, Adrian B. Sims. Our band members had played and enjoyed some of Mr. Sims’ work. Once Mr. Sims agreed to be part of the project, the writing of the music took about 4 months.”

Following that initial discussion with Mr. Anderson, Mr. Sims noted that he knew then what the title would be for the Kokomo High School special music.

 “While I was on the phone with the commission organizer, Brandon Anderson, discussing ideas for a new piece, Mr. Anderson mentioned the spirit of innovation that has, and continues to take place, in Kokomo, Indiana,” Mr. Sims explained. “As soon as I heard those three words, “Spirit of Innovation”, I knew instantly that this would be the title of the piece; and shortly thereafter, I began sketching musical ideas.”

Mr. Sims, a native of Seattle, Washington, is considered an emerging composer, conductor, and educator, according to Mr. Anderson. 

“Kokomo High School feels very fortunate to have someone with Mr. Sims talent composing this special piece of band music for our students,” Mr. Anderson added. “I also wish to thank the community, especially the Kokomo Public Schools Education Foundation, for its continued support.” 

KHS Principal Angela Blessing thanked Mr. Anderson for making this commission a reality for the students

“Since the Kokomo High School Band program already is proud of its rich history of success and excellence, the “Spirit of Innovation” World Premiere simply adds to that legacy of outstanding accomplishments,” Mrs. Blessing noted. “This special piece of music allows Kokomo High School to commemorate Kokomo’s historic past, while the “Spirit of Innovation” honors present-day Kokomo.”