December 18, 2023
By Cassidy Davis
On Saturday, October 28th, Haven Harley and Quinn Hoskins set off for Indianapolis. Representing a piece of the talent housed by Cambridge High School in Washington County at the National FFA Band Convention. Excellence should be striven for in whatever humans dedicate their lives to. Harley and Hoskins are shining examples of this. Their art is music and they showed the world just how much it meant to them.
After talking to Phil DuBose, the boys’ band director, it was obvious that Harley and Hoskins put in a lot of practice to get into the National FFA Band and go to Indianapolis. In order to be picked for the band, the boys had to submit videos of themselves playing instruments of their choice. Harley, with his Alto Sax, and Hoskins, with his Trumpet, put in many hours of hard work just to get their videos perfect.
After getting accepted into the band and flying to Indianapolis, Harley said that his favorite parts of the trip were getting to hang out with other band members from Idaho, as well as California, Georgia, Missouri, Illinois, and Nevada. And, of course, getting to perform in front of thousands of people! He also enjoyed talking with the FFA 2022-2023 National Southern Region Vice President as well as the 2023-2024 Idaho State Officers Team, which proved Harley’s statement true that “Music connects all sorts of people. I don’t know of anything else that can do the same thing.
Hoskins, with matching passion, said, “It was a tiring, but amazing experience.” One of the things he was most excited for was the opportunity to “March Onto Stage.” Hoskins spoke with so much joy about learning, friendly competition with friends, traveling, and getting to play in the National FFA Band that he serves as an amazing inspiration. For such a small school to have the honor of sending off not one, but two, talented youth to such a selective national opportunity, is quite impressive.
As for the support that they have received and what has kept them going and passionate about their art, Harley mentioned that his parents have been a huge influence on him and are very supportive of his music. Hoskins likewise said his mother, Angie Krenzler, was always there to support him no matter what she had to sacrifice; he and his dreams were always cared for.
Last, but certainly not least, is Phil DuBose. Harley and Hoskins spoke of him like he walked on water. His hard work and devotion is evident in the fine young musicians he has helped train. No matter what, he was there to push them to be the best they could be and support them as their band director.
In conclusion, Harley and Hoskins both came back from the convention full of life and music. They want to continue in this lifestyle and always promote the message of music, fun, and the fact that you don’t have to just be into sports: Band kids are just as cool.
