Cat Tracks: Washtucna Band

The Washtucna junior high and high school music program had a very busy schedule last week as they performed four times within five days in various concerts from Kahlotus to Oakesdale. Music students traveled to Washtucna, Kahlotus, and Oakesdale for various performances that surely captivated audiences at all three venues, while further expanding their knowledge and skill in the art of music.

The Washtucna-Kahlotus band, affectionately known as “The Big Blue Band,” is under the direction of Lora Hille, who teaches music at both schools, from kindergarten through high school students. With half of the band approximately 15 miles from the other, Hille compensates for the distance by instructing both groups at different times during the day, and then uniting the entire band for full rehearsals before performances. Along with The Big Blue Band there are also other musical groups that Hille directs, including a guitar ensemble and a vocal ensemble made up of musicians who also perform in the band.

On Tuesday, Nov. 6, the seventh and eighth grade students traveled to Oakesdale to perform in the Junior High Mass Band and Choir Festival. At this festival, students from throughout South-Eastern Washington unite to form one band or choir and perform selected musical pieces by a guest conductor. This offers many young musicians to learn new skills from a different director as well as from peers from different schools.

Following Mass Band and Choir Festival was the high school/junior high fall concert at Washtucna, Thursday, Nov. 8. In this performance, the band, choir, and guitar ensemble shined in all musical glory, performing classical folk songs, duets, classical pieces, and patriotic songs and medleys. This also marked the first performance to the community of Washtucna.

The final performance was the Veterans Day Program at Washtucna and Kahlotus, featuring the band and choir ensemble. In a tribute to our veterans, the choir sang a piece thanking our veterans while the band honored our service men and women through an armed forces medley and patriotic medley. Once again, the music program performed outstandingly, and at the same time, showed appreciation to our noble veterans.

With the final performance concluding, The Big Blue Band is preparing for the upcoming basketball season by practicing diligently on their pep band selections.

With the musical talent in Washtucna and Kahlotus, the gym should be rowdy enough with the band alone.