Hockinson High School’s jazz band competed at the Clackamas Jazz Festival hosted by Clackamas Community College on March 18. The jazz band was one of three bands invited back to play in the evening finals competition in the 5A division. For reference, this is Oregon’s equivalent of the 3A classification in Washington. Hockinson High School’s jazz band was named the top band in the division by the end of the night. Student musicians Avery Viles and Thilo Kluth (trumpet) were also recognized as outstanding soloists.
“This was a great competition for the jazz band, and the first in which they went into a competition not knowing which tunes they would be performing,” HHS Band Director Corey McEnry said. Per competition rules, bands came prepared with six songs ready to play, and directors rolled a die on stage to determine the three songs their bands would perform. Preliminary and finals performances can be viewed here.
This followed Hockinson’s winning streak at the Clackamas Band Festival the week prior. The Wind Ensemble scored second place in the Open (5A/6A) division and the Symphonic Band took home first place in the Small Schools (1A-4A) division. Hockinson High School was the only school in the competition to earn trophies in both concert and jazz band.
Hockinson band members’ work spreads beyond the competition sphere. “So often, our musicians play supporting roles in our school and community,” McEnry said. Band members encourage our athletics teams from the stands, provide melodies to accompany musical performances, and build spirit at school assemblies and special events.