Three instrumental music students graduate from Warden

WARDEN — Three graduating Warden High School seniors were instrumental to the success of the school's music program, said Music Teacher Clarence Huffman.

Matthew Kottong, Justin Rollins and Robby Horn Jr. contributed significantly to the program, Huffman said.

The students graduated June 1 with the class of 2007.

"These three music leaders contributed to the pep band with an estimated 180 combined appearances during their high school careers, a remarkable achievement for three talented athletes," Huffman said. "All three senior musicians led the Warden High School band to four consecutive superior ratings at contest."

All three students participated in sports in addition to serving as leaders in band, Huffman noted.

Kottong, a baritone horn, trombone and euphonium player who graduated in the top 10 percent of his class, plans to become a music teacher after earning his music education degree from Washington State University. Kottong learned to play trombone because of his interest in the Blue Cats Jazz Band, the Warden High School jazz group, Huffman said.

"His last two years in that group helped him develop his improvisation skills, and (he) was frequently featured as a soloist," he said.

Rollins, a trombone player, plans to study music education at the University of Idaho. He hopes to play in a military band as part of the ROTC program. Rollins was a soloist for Blue Cats Jazz Band.

"His quiet demeanor was a fantastic model for other students, who tagged him 'Tubby,'" Huffman said.

Horn, who graduated in the top 10 percent of his class, plays clarinet, bass clarinet, baritone saxophone and bassoon. He played solos on bassoon for the concert band. His plans are to join the Big Bend Community College commercial flight program.

"Robby was one of the most creative individuals in the senior class, often accomplishing feats his fellow seniors only dreamed of," Huffman said.

Huffman said the three seniors set a positive standard for future students.