Musicians produce the 'Wow!' factor

Enthusiastic applause and shouts of "Wow!" could be heard from family, friends and fellow students during the Central Oregon honor band concert Friday night at Bend High School. Eleven students from Sisters middle and high schools participated in the annual event.

"It was a lifetime opportunity. I've never gotten to play in a big band before, so it was neat and exciting," said eighth-

grader Hunter Blakelock.

The 96-person middle school band included Blakelock on trumpet, Chase Lawrence on alto saxophone, Peter Lund on trombone, Abby Lynch on clarinet and Jessica Shepardson and Madelyn Zadow on flute.

The 103-piece high school band included Jason Allenby on percussion, Nolan Ferwalt on French horn, Zach Jones on trombone, Nate Pajutee on trumpet and Ethan Wetzel on baritone.

Jones, a freshman, said he liked meeting new kids and appreciated that the other musicians were kind and friendly to each other.

The students spent much of Thursday and Friday practicing and preparing for Friday night's concert. Twelve middle schools and nine high schools from Central Oregon were represented.

"Participation in this ensemble is equivalent to selection to a Central Oregon all-star team or all-league (conference) selection in sports," Bryan Summers, middle and high school band teacher, said. Eligibility for the honor bands is based on band director nomination, he said. Chair placement for the high school band is based on participation in other events such as All-State Band and Western International Band Conference, as well as audition experience.

Of the Sisters High School participants, Allenby is a senior, Pajutee a junior, Ferwalt a sophomore, and Jones and Wetzel are freshmen. The Sisters Middle School musicians are in eighth grade.

Patrick Vandehey, assistant director of music and director of bands at George Fox University, conducted the high school honor band.

Vandehey complimented the band teachers and their music programs. He encouraged continued support of music in the schools during these difficult economic times, and said that music teaches students much about life.

In the band's final selection, "With Heart and Soul," Vandehey said the piece conveyed emotions ranging from concern to joy. He joked that he and the students went through some of the same emotions while rehearsing, and at times he had concerns about the piece coming together. In the end, the audience gave a standing ovation to the inspiring performance.

Gary Riler, band director at W.F. West High School in Chehalis, Washington, and music coordinator for Chehalis School District, conducted the middle school honor band. Riler complimented the musicians' parents and band directors for their dedication to enriching young lives with music.

"The music was very challenging and each of the students performed extremely well," Summers said. "I'm proud of their effort both during the 15 hours of rehearsal during the two days of the events, as well as during the performance."