Spring Band Concert

Beautiful Bainbridge Island | Land Acknowledgement 

We would like to begin by acknowleding that the land on which we gather is within the ancestral territory of the Suquamish people. Expert fisher peoples, canoe builders, basket weavers, and much more, they have lived in harmony with the lands and waterways along Washington's Central Salish Sea for thousands of years, as they promised in the Point Elliot Treaty of 1855. 

Honor Bands

I'm proud to report an increase in the number of students participating in Honor Bands this year!  Huge congratulations to the following band members for being accepted into the following Honor Band Programs:

Chamber Music

We have a long history of chamber music at BHS.  In fact, since 2022, BHS chamber musicians have earned 17 medals and 7 gold medals at our WMEA/WIAA State Chamber Music Contest, which includes all 400+ WIAA high schools.  Both medal counts are tops in the state.  ("We're #1!")  It's not all about winning, but it is about being interested, informed, and planning ahead from an early age.

This year, we have 13 winners and perhaps a few alternates heading to State in late April.  This numbr ties a school record previously set in 2023.  Please visit the band website for more information on preparing for State if you are heading that way.

Jazz News

We had an amazing Swing Dance back on December 7th, bringing in over $9,000 for the band through the BHS Band Boosters, a registered 501(c)(3) non-profit organization.  Thank you to everyone who attended the event (all 200 of you!)  Well, done students and all our committee members and booster members.  So fun.

Jazz One got wonderful feedback from our 2nd ever Essentially Ellington submission.  We are looking forward to next year's contest!

Our big Puget Sounds Jazz Festival is coming up on March 29th!  Keep an eye out for details!  It's going to be huge!!

Enrollment Information

Music education is often seen as supplementary, yet research highlights its essential role in cognitive and social development. Studies show that students engaged in music programs consistently outperform their peers academically.

A study in the Journal of Educational Psychology found that students in music programs score higher on standardized tests in reading and math. Additionally, research from the University of Southern California’s Brain and Creativity Institute shows that music training enhances neural processing and executive function, supporting broader learning skills.

Beyond academics, data from the National Association for Music Education indicates that music students develop greater self-discipline, teamwork, and perseverance—traits vital for lifelong success. Playing in ensembles teaches students the value of working hard with peers to create something greater than themselves. Whether in a choir, orchestra, or band, collaboration fosters accountability, patience, and a deep sense of shared accomplishment.

Despite its benefits, music education often faces budget cuts and uncertainty during the course registration process.  However, given its strong correlation with student belonging and achievement, it should be recognized as a crucial component of a well-rounded education. The data is clear: music education is not a luxury but a necessity for intellectual and personal growth.  In my entire career teaching, I have never seen a four year band member lose out on opportunities becuase they didn't take that extra AP course, and similarly, I have never met an adult who wished they had quit music earlier, to the contrary, most people wish they would have kept up with their music studies longer, and most music students have something powerful to write about in their college admission essays that can speak to a variety of skill sets needed in any intended major.  Colleges want good people on their campuses, and ensemble music is about developing the whole human.

Thank you for continuing to support these students and our program so future students can participate in the wonderful things we can only do together.

A huge thank you to the BHS & BISD administrative and custodial crews, our theater faculty and staff, the rest of our district's music teachers (especially Mr Meehan!), our entire facilities and maintenance staff, our beloved BHS Band Booster Parents, and my wonderful family!