The Nugget Newspaper - News and Opinion from Sisters, Oregon

For the first time in 13 years, the Sisters High School Wind Ensemble qualified to attend the OSAA (Oregon State Activities Association) annual state competition for bands. The group left on May 10 with 20 musicians, and first-year band director Kayla Golka.

The band left promptly at 6 a.m. to make it to their destination in Corvallis at 9 a.m. As they set off on their journey, the students conversed in nervous chatter, knowing that being able to participate in this competition was a huge honor.

“I remember being tired on the way over, but couldn’t sleep because I was so excited,” said senior Norma Quero.

There are four seniors in the band this year, including Quero. They all described feeling bittersweet about graduating the same year they went to State.

“My favorite part was playing with the seniors one last time, especially because there’s not a lot of people in my grade who are in the band,” said junior Molly Greaney. “So it was nice to do something really big to end it all out.”

Upon their arrival, the band set up their instruments to warm up before their show time. Golka gave them a heartwarming pep talk, making sure to let students know how proud their director is of everyone’s hard work and dedication.

“As cheesy as it sounds, my biggest goal was having the band walk away feeling good, and knowing they enjoyed the experience,” said Golka.

Once the ensemble walked on stage, they felt ready to give it their best. They showcased four beautiful music pieces, three of which they’d been practicing since January.

These songs were “La Madre De Los Gatos,” “Tangents Angular,” “A Hymnsong of Phillip Bliss,” “Tangents Angular,” and “The Winchester Chronicles.”

“My favorite piece was definitely ‘Hymnsong,’ because it’s so beautiful and emotional. I felt like everybody could feel the hard work we put in,” said Greaney.

By the end of their long day, the band placed seventh out of the eight competing bands. Students were not disappointed by the verdict; they were elated to have attended. The group returned to Sisters High School feeling satisfied with their scores, and proud of how far they had come within the year. They were gratified to have represented the Sisters High School community, and to have shared those experiences with their friends around them.