Last week, the Hockinson High School Jazz Band and Wind Ensemble shared the stage with the Washougal High School band for the schools’ 16th annual Fall Concert. It was the Hawks’ turn to host this year! This collaboration dates back to 2010 and has continued every year since, only missing 2020 due to pandemic restrictions. 

HHS Band Director Corey McEnry collaborated with Washougal High School to create this tradition as a way to make the most of a busy season. With performances at football games filling the Band calendar, joining forces has allowed both groups to put on a complete, high-quality concert and benefit from a valuable musical exchange between both schools’ programs, explains McEnry. 

“There’s so much students can learn by observing another ensemble,” explains McEnry. “Beyond being exposed to new repertoire, they get to see different stylistic and interpretive choices in how another band approaches and performs music, which directly influences their own growth as musicians.” 

Alternating venues each year also allows students to perform outside the HHS auditorium and connect with new audiences. This year, 49 HHS students performed in the Wind Ensemble, and 19 of them also played in the Jazz Band. Each school performed its own set of three pieces. HHS ensembles played “The Queen Bee,” “Polka Dots and Moonbeams,” and “Caravan.” 

“At the end of the day, it's about supporting each other and showcasing two smaller school programs that perform at a high level,” McEnry said. 

Thank you to the student musicians, directors, and families from both schools who made the evening success. Watch the concert here.