Davis High band Teacher Assistant (TA) Kaira Hammerstrom has been awarded the contract to do a musical score for an independent film, with two more contracts in the works for 2026, coming out in June.
Hammerstrom started playing music, specifically piano, at five years old. Later she picked up the clarinet in seventh grade. At only 14 years old Hammerstrom started composing in 2017, writing pieces for wind ensembles.
“I had never really experienced something like that and just the sense of belonging that being in band gave me was a big change for me and something that I really wanted to keep moving through,” Hammerstrom said. “Really what pushed me into music was loving the feeling of performing in a large ensemble in the band,”
While Hammerstrom already plays an impressive number of instruments additionally to the piano and clarinet, for the band specifically Hammerstrom has been learning the ocarina to be able to fill in when the teacher is absent.
Being a TA has been very rewarding for Hammerstrom because of it being a good blend of desk work and interaction with the students.
“I’ve really loved leading the clarinet sectionals,” Hammerstrom said. "Mr. Crookston could probably attest to how excited I get when it’s sectional time.”
Although Hammerstrom is still growing as a Teacher’s Assistant and future elementary teacher, her inspiration is infectious. As she brings the belonging and community aspect of band to all of the students.