By Leslie Collins
Northeast News
March 2, 2011

Lincoln College Preparatory Academy now has keys to the city.

During the Feb. 24 City of Kansas City Council meeting, council members honored Lincoln’s Wind Ensemble, which will perform in Bejing and Xi’an, China, March 12-19.

Council members commended the ensemble’s dedication and diligence and Mayor Mark Funkhouser presented them with a set of keys to the city to give to Kansas City’s sister city, Xi’an.

Since August, the Wind Ensemble instructors have been planning the trip for their 46 students, grades seventh through twelfth.

“Most of these students don’t have a chance to go abroad,” said Associate Director of Band Jason Bata.

Bata said he and Director of Band Ron Martz, continually look for ways to broaden their student’s horizons and this trip is one of them.

While in China, the Wind Ensemble will perform an hour-long concert at the Great Wall of China, perform concerts at conservatories in Bejing and Xi’an, and interact with local students.

Kansas City council members congratulate Lincoln Prep Wind Ensemble members for their diligence and their upcoming trip to China. Leslie Collins