— from Matt Jenson —

Four students from Orcas Island joined approximately 250 other accomplished high school musicians from Idaho, Oregon, and Washington on January 5th and 6th, to participate in the Northwest High School Honor Band. Kayleigh Horton (senior, percussion), Tim Jenson (senior, horn), and Ewan Lister (junior, trumpet) from Orcas Island High School were joined by Leah Jenson (freshman, bassoon) from Spring Street International School for the two day event.

The gathering is hosted annually by the Pacific Lutheran University at the Mary Baker Russell Music Center. To participate, students must be recommended by their high school band director and audition with a prepared musical selection for band and chair placement. Tim and Ewan performed in the Symphonic Band under the direction of Dr. Donald McKinney; Kayleigh and Leah were led by the very energetic Dr. Jaclyn Hartenberger in the Concert Band.

Students and Teacher (left to right Leah Jenson, Darren Dix, Kayleigh Horton, Tim Jenson, Ewan Lister)

In addition to two days of intense rehearsals, students engaged in a master class for their instrument and attended a faculty ensemble performance.  The conference culminated with a free public concert at the end of the second day.

Also attending was Darren Dix, the band director at Orcas Island High School and an alumni of PLU. To the amusement of his students, Mr. Dix revealed that he, too, participated in the honor band when he was in high school.

This year marked the event’s 30th anniversary.

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