Oklahoma students make Army All-American band

Two Oklahoma high school seniors will perform with the U.S. Army All-American Marching Band during halftime of the U.S. Army All-American Bowl Jan. 5 in Alamodome in San Antonio.

By Jane Glenn Cannon | Published: October 4, 2012 Comment on this article

Two Oklahoma high school students have been named members of the 2013 U.S. Army All-American Marching Band.

Kelsey Hernandez, a student at Norman North High School, and Nathan Henderson, a student at Lone Grove High School, are among 125 high school seniors nationwide selected to perform during halftime of the U.S. Army All-American Bowl on Jan. 5 at the Alamodome in San Antonio.

Hernandez was presented with her All American Marching Band jacket by Army representatives during an assembly Tuesday at Norman North High School. Henderson received his jacket Wednesday in an assembly at Lone Grove High School.

“We're just so proud of Nathan's accomplishments. This is such an honor,” school counselor Angela Wade said.

Hernandez's father, Trent Hernandez, who serves as Norman North's band director, said his daughter's selection was an honor for the school and district, as well as for her.

The two students were selected after passing a highly competitive taped audition process.

Band members are chosen because they excel in music and exemplify qualities such as loyalty and respect, valued by the Army, according to a press release about the students's selection.

Hernandez, who plays the French horn, will perform in the band's color guard. Henderson will play the baritone horn.

The All-American Bowl game will be televised live on NBC.