Article written by Ainsley Hall and published in The Journal on February 10, 2026, link to full article HERE.
Musselman High School Jazz Band named the 2026 West Virginia Honor Jazz Band, marking the third time the program has earned this distinction. The band will be recognized in Charleston on March 5 where they will perform at the Charleston Coliseum & Convention Center.
Every year, jazz bands from across the state submit videos of their performances, however bands are only allowed to receive the title once every two years. Musselman High School received the title in 2018 and 2024. Students Ezekiel Rosario, Avik Demauro, Lucy Green, Roger Seal and Caden Wilson were all surprised and excited when they first heard they won.
“It’s a spot most kids don’t even get the chance to be in,” Rosario said. “I’m grateful for the opportunity and for every chance I get to do stuff like this. I just hope that God gets exalted and he gets all the glory. That was my initial thought: excited, happy and glad we got the opportunity after all that hard work.”
Many hours of work go into preparing for a performance. Not only do students practice together during class every day, but they all practice on their own at home. They talk to each other to make sure everyone is on the same page and playing together while also improving their own skills. However, they believe it’s their Band Director Michael Knepper that makes them work as a team.
“I was worried that I wouldn’t fit in, but everyone in jazz band feels like they fit in perfectly,” Demauro said. “Mr. Knepper is a huge part of that. He helps everyone feel comfortable and feel like they’re special and a part of something, and with jazz band you are.”