Band season is ramping up for Heath Kemple, a senior drum major for The Pride of Fairview. 

“We’ve just started competitions and we have gone to two so far,” Kemple said. “We’ve gotten a superior rating both times. I fell in love with band in kindergarten watching the high school band come and play for us during homecoming. I very much enjoy being in a role model position,” he added. “I love being able to help the other trumpets in my section. I always have extra pencils in case someone needs one. I’ll give them valve oil if they need it as well. I hope that our youngest player, who is in the eighth grade, will be in the same shoes as me one day by being a role model for future students.” 

Kemple is also enrolled in the automotive program at Northwest Technology Center. He said that falls right in line with his career goals. 

“I feel like the program is helping me gain the necessary entry level skills needed for my near and upcoming future, and also helping me in my plans to become a Ford mechanic,” he said. “I’ll be going to OSUIT to get my certification to work on Ford vehicles. Then I want to settle down in Kingfisher and spend the next years working at Boekman Ford which is the Ford dealership there.” 

Although Kemple has had multiple teachers during his tenure at NW Tech, he said two stood out in particular as being the most helpful. 

“Mr. Watson and Mrs. Kahne have been fantastic,” he said. “Mr. Watson is my automotive instructor and goes as far as helping me with my own car if I need it. Mrs. Kahne has helped me make a resume and a career portfolio showing some of my best accomplishments and highlighting my skills.” 

In his free time, Kemple said he spends time working on cars and fixing up his go-cart for the upcoming race seasons. He also plays the piano and works on RC drones.