After months of dedicated rehearsals and meticulous practice, the senior band boys were primed for their much-anticipated tour to Washington, culminating in a performance at the Central Washington University (CWU) Wind Festival on March 1st.
The adventure commenced on a crisp Thursday morning at 6:00 am, as the students meticulously loaded their instruments and luggage onto one of the two waiting tour buses. Despite the early start, spirits were high. By 11:30 am, the Senior Band had arrived at the University of Puget Sound, ready for a workshop with the renowned Dr. Morris. His guidance was invaluable, emphasizing the importance of balance and clarity in our performance. Although we were adept in rhythm and note accuracy, Dr. Morris pointed out that our ensemble’s size sometimes overwhelmed certain musical sections, a critical insight we took to heart.
By 2:30 pm, we were en route to our next stop: Ellensburg, Washington, where we were scheduled to perform at CWU the following morning. Arriving at our hotel by 5:00 pm, the evening was spent in leisure—dining, unwinding, and mentally preparing for the performance that lay ahead.
Come Friday, March 1st, the Senior Band was poised for their showcase at the CWU Windfest. The morning was an enriching experience, filled with performances by other bands and explorations around the university’s campus. At 3:00 pm, it was our turn. The Senior Band took the stage, delivering renditions of “Clutch,” “Starlight,” and “Jupiter” to an appreciative audience, earning commendable feedback from the adjudicators.
That evening, the boys were treated to an extraordinary display of musical prowess as they attended performances by the talented Central Washington University (CWU) jazz bands and wind ensemble.
As dawn broke the next morning, the group was filled with reflections on the memorable performances and experiences. Following a communal breakfast, we boarded the buses, hearts and minds full from the trip’s successes. Yet, the journey wasn’t over. A detour to Seattle allowed for exploration of its iconic landmarks, including the Space Needle and Pike Place Market, before we finally set our course back home.
This tour was not just a series of performances; it was a journey of growth, learning, and unforgettable memories for the senior band boys, a testament to their hard work and dedication.
