Summer 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

Once again, we’ve had a remarkable year for chamber music!  Our band members have continued a long tradition of excellence—years in the making—by preparing to legitimately tackle collegiate-level solos and small ensembles, and absolutely nailing both their 10-minute regional qualifying performances and their 10-minute state championship performances. This year, BHS Band members took home seven medals, including three golds—both totals are the highest in the state, once again.

Our Puget Sounds Jazz Festival was a wonderful hit this year, featuring more bands than ever, and an amazing guest artist, jazz trombonist and educator, Naomi Moon Siegel.  Outstanding soloists from this year's PSJF, as selected by our adjudicators were:

• Ben Beckett, Vibraphone

• Isaiah Beyer, Alto Saxophone

• Finnegan Armstrong, Clarinet

• Miles Wieland, Piano

Jazz Band One travelled to the Bellevue High School Jazz Festival in May, and the band took First Place in the A/AA division, and the following students earned Outstanding Soloist Awards:

• Isaiah Beyer, alto saxophone

• Sebastian Ford, tenor saxophone

• Finnegan Armstrong, clarinet

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!