The annual event was staged in Mollala this year, where each of the seven Capital Conference bands performed their best work.

The bands played before a panel of three state-certified adjudicators.

This year's judges were university band directors from Portland State University, the University of Portland, and Willamette University.

Each judge critiqued the performances in writing and assigned each band a score between 1 and 100.

The Sisters High School Band also earned a high enough score to qualify them for the State Band Festival without auditioning.

This automatic advancement to the State festival is an honor attained only by a minority of the 12 participating 3A bands.

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Most 3A bands are only eligible to audition for the State Festival if they take first place in their district festival, and few attain a high enough score to qualify for an automatic invitation.

Besides performance, the bands were also judged on their audience participation and behavior throughout the day

Due to their courteous conduct, the SHS Band received the added compliment of the Best Etiquette award.

"It was so much fun -- the whole day," said Jason Berray, an SHS sophomore who plays alto sax in the band.

"We were the smallest school with the biggest band, and it was the best we've ever played."

"It sounded so good when we were up on stage, our sound was all balanced and blended," agreed junior Cynthia Crain, who plays clarinet in the band.

"I was pleased with the adjudicator's comments," she added. "They said that listening to us was a good way to end the day."

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Band Director Jody Henderson couldn't be more pleased with his students.

"It was the students who did it, I left my horn at home! Actually, it was an obvious example of how much Sisters students excel due to the community support they have in all they do," said Henderson.

"The reasons for why this band succeeds extend far beyond what we do in band rehearsals.

"Sisters students have been taught the value of working together and they know how to step up."

And the students are equally proud of their band teacher.

"I was so happy for Mr. Henderson," said Jason.

"He has worked so hard for this -- he really deserves this award."

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The 3A State Band Festival will be held at Oregon State University on May 10.