Three Park Rapids Students Selected for Statewide Honor Band

Trio's successful auditions represent triumph for small, rural school, band director says.

Published on Feb. 24, 2026

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Three students from the Park Rapids Area High School band program - Austin Miller, Ryan Cook, and Georgia Knutson - have been selected to perform with the prestigious Minnesota Band Directors Association (MBDA) Statewide Honor Band. The students, representing a 10th grader, 9th grader, and 8th grader respectively, successfully auditioned against numerous peers from across the state to earn their spots in the distinguished ensemble.

Why it matters

For a small, rural school district like Park Rapids, having three students selected for the statewide honor band is an impressive accomplishment that highlights the strength of the school's music program and the dedication of its students.

The details

The three Park Rapids students will perform with two honor band ensembles - one for grades 6-8 and one for grades 9-10 - at Wayzata High School on April 11-12. The 6-8 grade band will be directed by Dr. Quincy Hilliard of the University of Louisiana at Lafayette, while the 9-10 grade band will be led by Dr. Peter Haberman of Concordia College in Moorhead. A final concert featuring both ensembles will take place on April 12.

  • The students were selected for the 2026 MBDA Statewide Honor Band.
  • The honor band performances will take place on April 11-12, 2026 at Wayzata High School.
  • The final concert featuring both honor band ensembles will be held on April 12, 2026.

The players

Austin Miller

A 10th grader at Park Rapids Area High School who plays bass clarinet and was selected for the MBDA Statewide Honor Band.

Ryan Cook

A 9th grader at Park Rapids Area High School who plays clarinet and was selected for the MBDA Statewide Honor Band.

Georgia Knutson

An 8th grader at Park Rapids Area High School who plays trumpet and was selected for the MBDA Statewide Honor Band.

John Cook

The band director at Park Rapids Area High School.

Dr. Quincy Hilliard

The director of the grades 6-8 honor band ensemble, from the University of Louisiana at Lafayette.

Dr. Peter Haberman

The director of the grades 9-10 honor band ensemble, from Concordia College in Moorhead.

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What they’re saying

“I'm very pleased with how this year's auditions have turned out. We, once again, have a great representation from Park Rapids.”

— John Cook, Band Director, Park Rapids Area High School (parkrapidsenterprise.com)

“The fact that we, once again, have three students representing Park Rapids in this event is an awesome testament to the students and their hardwork.”

— John Cook, Band Director, Park Rapids Area High School (parkrapidsenterprise.com)

What’s next

The three Park Rapids students will perform with the MBDA Statewide Honor Band ensembles on April 11-12, 2026 at Wayzata High School, culminating in a final concert on April 12.

The takeaway

This achievement by three students from the small, rural Park Rapids school district demonstrates the strength of the district's music program and the dedication of its students. It is an impressive accomplishment that highlights the talent and hard work of these young musicians.