The students performed at the Port Angeles Fine Arts Center which is one of the premier concert halls of the Northwest. The N.O.M.E. event includes some of the most highly respected band directors from across the state who adjudicate and grade this performance-based contest. The students’ performance was fantastic, and after playing this past Wednesday, they have gained much respect among the community and bands across the entire peninsula. Some of the bands participating were from Port Angeles, Chimacum, Port Townsend, Sequim and Liberty schools (12 bands in all).

As well as adjudication, the students also spent time in a clinic directly working with the judges who shared comments about their performance as well as new ideas for improvement and getting better.

It was quite simply a very rewarding and extremely positive experience for the students.

The judges were Dr. Christopher Bianco, associate director of bands from Western University and retired professor of music; Lilburn Layer from Pacific Lutheran University; and Jeffery Haag, long-standing and respected director from Kingston. These directors in their own right have taught and directed some of the finest performing bands across the state. Each of the directors were highly complimentary of the band students and their performance.

Some of the comments made were, “I loved the band’s energy and enthusiasm in their performance,” and “I can see that this band is headed on a path of excellence!” Another was, “I would love to personally come out and possibly visit and work with this group of great students.”

Director George Rodes said, “I am extremely proud of the students’ performance, as they really stepped up and played one of their best performances of the year. I am very excited about the future of the band and where they are headed.”

The band will be performing their contest pieces, as well as many others at their upcoming spring concert. “We are looking forward to playing and performing for our school and community and it’s going to be a whole lot fun!”

A huge congratulations to the Spartan Band for a job well done!

A very special thanks to parents, teachers, school administration and the community for supporting music and band in our schools!