Summer Band Concert

Dear Band Families,

Thank you for joining us tonight for our Summer Band Concert!  This evening is one of my favorites on the calendar.  Tonight is a chance to celebrate everything these remarkable students have built together over the course of a year - all 13,770 minutes together - and that doesn't include any jazz band or marching band time...!

What a year it has been. Tonight you'll hear a program that reflects the full range of what our students have grown into: more confidence, more nuance, more musical risk-taking, and more heart than ever.  From our fall concert to tonight, the growth has been extraordinary.  This part of this job never gets old.

Over the course of this year, I've watched students rise to meet challenge after challenge. I've seen the teamwork and dedication that marching band demands, the ambition of students pursuing honor bands and advanced opportunities beyond our campus, the courage it takes to improvise in front of an audience, and the immense discipline that chamber music requires. Every one of those experiences lives in the music you'll hear tonight.

And of course, June brings with it the bittersweet part. This year's graduating seniors have meant the world to this program - and to me, too!  They've led by example, lifted those around them, and left this band better than they found it.  I am so proud of each of them, and I know I'm not alone when I say, "we are really going to miss you!"

Tonight is a celebration of music, but more than that, it's a celebration of community. These students had choices. They chose music. They chose each other, and that means everything to me and the younger students.

Tonight, let's send our seniors off right - with the appreciation, excitement, and love they have absolutely earned.

At the end of the concert, please take a moment to fill out our Concert Props Google Form!  It'll only take you a moment, and it's so appreciated!

With gratitude,

Chris Thomas

Lillian Jackson is a senior at Bainbridge High School and is pursuing degrees in Music Education, French Horn performance, and Music Therapy. Lillian has served as BHS Drum Major for the past 3 years and Trombone 1 in BHS Jazz 1 collective winning awards such as outstanding soloist and Best Drum Major. Lillian has spent time student teaching at Woodward Middle School, Sakai Intermediate School, and Bainbridge High School through the Academic Coaching program. With Mr. Meehan's help she has led and conducted the 7th and 8th grade band with Disney's "Aladdin" in the 2025 WMS Pops concert. This year she student taught both 6th grade band and general music. With the support of Ms. Gibbs, Lillian taught and led classes in general music, learning how to teach choir! Mr. Thomas has guided her to teach and conduct High School Band, conducting Tonight's arrangement of "Moana" with our wonderful Symphonic Band. Lillian has numerous WMEA and OMEA musical accomplishments including winning 2nd in WA State on solo french horn, 3rd in WA State in large percussion ensemble, 7 honorable mentions, and 20 superior scores on the regional level. Lillian has earned over $200,000 in music scholarships from over 15 schools and is excited to take her next musical journey at the Jordan College of Arts at Butler University.