Students perform during the 2021 Honors Band and Choir performance in the Honeywell Center’s Ford’s Theater on Friday, March 12. Photo provided.

News Release

WABASH — The 2021 Honors Band and Choir performance was hosted in the Honeywell Center’s Ford Theater on Friday, March 12.

More than 95 students from Wabash County performed in front of select family, friends, faculty and staff. The performance marked the first indoor, in-person performance of 2021 since Honeywell venues were shuttered on Friday, March 13, 2020.

“These students were beyond thrilled to take their places on stage this year after learning that their 2020 performance had to be cancelled,” Honeywell Arts & Entertainment Education Curriculum Manager Kristi Unger said. “We came full circle and the students gave an excellent performance, showcasing their hard work and many talents in front of a live audience.”

Choral students who participated this year performed under the direction of Taylor University Assistant Professor of Music and Director of Choral Activities Dr. Reed Spencer. Band students were conducted by former University of Wisconsin Marching Band and Bands Director Michael Leckrone.

This year, the performance was dedicated to the late Wabash High School Band Director Art Conner.

Conner served as a longtime band teacher at Wabash High School and many alumni from Honors Band honed their skills under his leadership. After Conner retired, his dedication to this program did not end.

Conner was a tireless volunteer helping behind the scenes to execute a flawless performance. Conner passed away nearly two years after a long battle with cancer.