Brandon Hokeness '18
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Music education major from Okawville, Illinois
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Oboe player with the St. Louis Symphony Youth Orchestra
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Co-founder and co-director of student band at St. Paul’s Lutheran School in Troy, Illinois
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Performed in the McKendree concert band, wind ensemble, woodwind quintet, percussion ensemble, band, and tuba/euphonium ensemble
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Member of Kappa Kappa Psi, National Honorary Band Fraternity
by Stephanie (Coartney) Dulaney '10
Music education major Brandon Hokeness ‘18 remembers what it was like to choose a college. He wanted a university that he says,
“I’d be able to call home, and be proud to walk away with their name on my degree.”
At McKendree, he found the perfect place to grow his musical talents and passion for
teaching, all while making his college experience uniquely his own.
From helping to start and direct a local grade school band to playing with members
of the St. Louis Symphony, Brandon took advantage of every opportunity to push the
boundary of what he thought he could do at McKendree. He honed his performance skills
and formed close friendships with his fellow music students on the Band, concert band,
and many other ensembles. What he didn’t foresee was the important leadership experience
he’d gain from being part of the music program.
"We get teaching experience you can’t replicate in a methods class. It's truly been
an amazing learning opportunity for everybody, and it also doesn’t hurt that it’s a lot of fun and a rewarding
experience."
This past fall, Brandon and other music education majors were invited to take the
reins of a new band program at St. Paul’s Lutheran School in Troy, Illinois. The unique
challenge not only gave them the chance to see how a school music department is run,
but also to have a direct hand in it. Brandon was able to help with instrument try-out
night, teach beginning sectionals, and run a full ensemble, all important components
of the job he wants to land after graduation.
“The entire situation of working at St. Paul’s is a win-win,” he said. “Without us
going to the school, the students wouldn’t have the opportunity to participate in
band. For us, we get teaching experience you can’t replicate in a methods class. It’s
truly been an amazing learning opportunity for everybody, and it also doesn’t hurt
that it’s a lot of fun and a rewarding experience.”
Another unforgettable part of Brandon’s senior year was his selection to the prestigious
St. Louis Symphony Youth Orchestra. Performing in a blind audition held on stage at
Powell Hall, he impressed the directors with his strong talent on the oboe. His favorite
part about being a member of the Youth Orchestra is the chance to work directly with
world-renown musicians, whose professional experience is only overshadowed by their
eagerness to share their passion with others.
"The amazing thing about working with these musicians is that they have a solution
to fixing almost any musical problem. They’re also very familiar with the repertoire
we’re performing and can teach us through their own experiences."
“The amazing thing about working with these musicians is that they have a solution
to fixing almost any musical problem,” said Brandon. “They’re also very familiar with
the repertoire we’re performing and can teach us through their own experiences. The
most inspiring aspect of it is how down-to-earth they are. They’re happy to be teaching
us, and it’s nice to remember that these professional musicians are real people who
were sitting in similar seats not that long ago.”
For Brandon, the meaningful learning opportunities he’s gained as a McKendree student
are all part of the personalized college experience he always wanted. That’s something
he knows he’ll be proud of on graduation day.
Learn more about McKendree University.
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