
On March 31, band director Kevin Heathwood performed at Carnegie Hall with the Brooklyn Wind Symphony, a renowned all volunteer ensemble.
“Carnegie Hall is so legendary. You just feel the energy in the air when you walk in through the stage door,” Mr. Heathwood said. “I think we all played with a little more energy and focus just being on that stage, and I have to say, out of all the performances I’ve played with Brooklyn Wind Symphony, this one was one of the cleanest and most powerful. We stepped up to the occasion.”
The concert featured a range of emotionally rich pieces, including Wine-Dark Sea by John Mackey—a highlight for many audience members. One movement in particular stood out for Mr. Heathwood. “The climax of the second movement was so moving and emotional,” he said. “But also the times the trumpets played the main heroic theme from the first movement always made me excited, especially because it was so exposed and you could really hear my specific sound as I played.”
Freshman Emma Chu, a member of the THHS Symphony Band who attended the concert, said, “I didn’t expect to be so amazed by a band performance. Their tone, quality, and intonation were on point. I’d definitely come watch again.”
Emma also said that Mr. Heathwood’s presence on such a prestigious stage reflected the person and mentor he is in the classroom. “He supports a chill yet challenging environment,” she said. “He balances music theory and sight-reading in a way that makes sure everyone’s on the right track.”
Mr. Heathwood’s journey to Carnegie Hall didn’t begin with grand aspirations, but rather with what he calls a “miracle of randomness.” In third grade, he stumbled into a school assembly where a band teacher introduced different instruments. Despite being quiet and hesitant, he chose the trumpet. Initially, he struggled to keep up and even considered quitting.
“I [went] in to quit, but before I was able to open my mouth, my band teacher interrupted me and said, ‘Oh Kevin! There you are! All you need to do is play this one example and you’ll make it into the band,’” Mr. Heathwood said. That one performance helped launch a lifelong love of music.
Today, as both an educator and performer, Mr. Heathwood hopes that moments like his Carnegie Hall debut serve as motivation for his students. “I hope it makes their dreams real. So often we idolize famous people or legendary places and think they’re out of reach. But once you realize that famous people are just people, and legendary places are just places, it becomes real. Anyone can get there, you just have to work hard and stay dedicated,” he said.
For Rakin Haque, class of 2022 THHS alumnus and current junior at Brown University, Mr. Heathwood’s encouragement continues to resonate. He said, “It was Mr. Heathwood who taught me that growth comes from openness and interacting with others. His lessons stay with me from playing in the jazz band at Brown to presenting research at symposiums.”
Rakin also recalled the sense of community Mr. Heathwood fostered. “He created opportunities for students of all levels to participate, whether it was performing at school events or city-wide concerts,” he said. “That enthusiasm made a lasting impact on our passion for learning and being part of something bigger than ourselves.”
K Heat • Apr 22, 2025 at 10:48 am
Proud to be featured in such a well written article and to be able to teach such amazing students who appreciate art and music.