The Tahoma High School Wind Ensemble participated in the Green River Music Educator’s Regional Wind Ensemble Festival March 23 and scored three superior ratings.

The band, conducted by Matthew Cole, the district’s newest band director, played “Signature” by Jan van der Roost,” Song for Lyndsay” by Andrew Boysen and “Jericho” by Bert Appermont.

Cole has raised the bar for the wind ensemble utilizing more practice, offering more performances and teaching more music theory than ever before.  Students have commented that band isn’t the old easy A, but has new challenges.  The students are also enjoying their new successes.  Zac Cadiente, a senior posted on Facebook, “I am in the most amazing mood right now.  Started off with getting three superiors in the large group band contest….”

The three judges John Wetherington of Bethel School District and Pacific Lutheran University, Jeffery Bell-Hanson of University Symphony Orchestra and Pacific Lutheran University, and Bill Klouse who has taught music at all levels around Western Washington, all scored the wind ensemble with superior ratings.

One of the judges had judged Tahoma’s wind ensemble in years past and has noted the improvement in their playing.  Judge Bill Klouse said, “Great Band! I really enjoyed hearing you today – quite a difference from a few years ago when I heard Tahoma last!”

The community can expect great things from Tahoma’s band program.  There is a new energy and renewed commitment to excellence.  Cole has grand plans for the high school band program including continuing to raise the bar toward excellence in musicianship, community amongst the students and surrounding supports, exciting marching band programs and more.   In regards to Tahoma High School’s upcoming band concert on March 30, Cole says, “It’s going to be Epic!”