Kate McAlister is currently a junior and plays trumpet at Johnston High School. She has studied privately with Jason Heeren for the past four years. Her past teachers include Justin Wells (5th grade), Wendy Green (6th grade), Steve Keller (7th grade), Bradley Harris (8th grade), and Jessica Heidbreder (9th grade). In 10th and 11th grades she has studied with both Jason Heeren and Jeff Robilliard. Throughout the years she has participated in many music groups including the Sound Advice show band, Pit Orchestra, Pep Band, Jazz Syndicate, Draggin’ Brass Quintet, and the Johnston Wind Symphony. She has also participated in her schools’ solo and ensemble festival and has received many Division 1 Awards on behalf of her ensemble groups. Her solo received the Best in Center award and a Division 1 rating. She has received the opportunity to play with the United States Air Force Band in 2019. Kate has auditioned for and been accepted into the Iowa All State Band for two years, and this past year was accepted into the Iowa All State Orchestra.