A Symphony of Success: PHS Band Sends 19 Musicians to State

Nestled on a hill overlooking Henderson Bay, Peninsula High School has long been known for its “Purdy Pride,” but that pride carries a deeper note this year. While the school may excel in many areas, the PHS Band program is currently stealing the spotlight. Under the leadership of director Megan Hillborn, the band’s 2025-2026 school year culminated in a record number of students qualifying for a state contest.

The Washington State Solo and Ensemble Contest is one of the top student music competitions in the state, bringing together musicians from across Washington. Students qualify for this event, which is held annually at Central Washington University in Ellensburg, through regional competitions. Students who advance to state have earned top marks in categories such as instrumental and vocal solos, small ensembles, and large group performances.

The musicians are judged on technical skill, musicality, interpretation of the piece, and their overall performance. Hosted by the Washington Music Educators Association, the competition requires students to perform at an elite level while receiving feedback from music educators and professional judges. Making it to the state contest represents years of preparation, discipline, and dedication to the student’s musical pursuits.

Nineteen Seahawks earned the opportunity to compete at this year’s state solo and ensemble competition. These four seniors highlight the preparation, commitment, and passion behind the music at PHS.

Emma Barnes

For PHS senior Emma Barnes, this competition was the final solo performance of her high school career. She played David Bennett’s “Deepwood,” a piece that highlights the low, moody sound of the bass clarinet. Barnes plays multiple woodwind instruments in the bands at PHS, but competed on the bass clarinet her senior year.

Barnes walked away with “1” ratings, the highest possible score, from all three judges. In the solo and ensemble contest, a superior rating shows mastery of the technical demands of the instrument while infusing personality and character into the piece.

Now that she’s graduating, Barnes is moving on from the rehearsal hall. She plans to attend college in Tacoma this fall to get a degree in elementary education. She hopes to use the lessons she learned in band to help her future students and become a better teacher.

“Band has always been my home,” she said. “Friends who support me, activities that challenge me, and a support team that has helped me grow.”

Ben Casely

Senior Ben Casely prepared and performed three separate pieces for this year’s contest: a trombone solo, a brass duet, and the brass quintet. While he did not place at the state level, Casely received high marks from the judges in all three events, cementing an exceptional PHS band career.

Casely plans to continue his education at Gonzaga University, where he will be studying political science. Gonzaga is known for its political science program, which emphasizes analytical writing, critical thinking, and hands-on learning opportunities to prepare students for careers in law, government, and public service.

“Throughout high school, the band has been a place to make beautiful music and awesome memories with friends,” he said.

James Kane

Senior James Kane competed with a French horn solo, Richard Strauss’ Horn Concerto No. 1, and in the brass quintet with classmates Ben Casely, Blaine Page, Noah Wahala, and Jacob Horton. The quintet performed Victor Edwald’s Quintet No. 1.

Kane scored superior ratings from all three of the judges in both his solo and ensemble performances. He demonstrated exceptional technical proficiency and musicality, combined with the ability to collaborate effectively in a group setting, according to the judges.

After graduating from PHS, Kane plans to attend UCLA to study music education. UCLA’s Herb Alpert School of Music is known for its performance and education programs, allowing students to study with professional musicians while preparing for careers in teaching and the music industry.

“I’ve learned countless lessons through my time at the PHS Band program, but here’s the biggest: You decide what you are capable of, so seize every opportunity you can,” he said.

Devan Pomeroy

For Devan Pomeroy, the state competition was a showcase for his versatility and precision. Pomeroy competed in the multi-percussion solo category featuring Jason Baker’s “Southern Gothic,” a complex piece that utilizes auxiliary percussion, including a glass bottle, metal bowl, and wooden blocks. He also competed with the PHS large percussion ensemble; nine students performing Jim Casella’s “Katraterra.” Pomeroy anchored the rhythm of this piece on concert toms. Both performances received a “1” rating from all three judges.

Following graduation, Pomeroy will attend Western Washington University to study marketing. He plans to continue his musical pursuits in Bellingham and join the WWU Percussion Ensemble, carrying forward the leadership and discipline he cultivated at PHS.

“I have made so many friends and learned so many important things like leadership skills, building a good work ethic, and how to connect with people,” he said. “I have grown so much, and I am so proud to see how others grow around me. I don’t think there is a better program you could join.”

As these four Seahawks prepare to trade the PHS rehearsal halls for their respective university lecture halls, whether they go on to study education, music, marketing, or political science, they said, in different ways, that the Purdy Pride of the PHS band program will shape their futures.

Editor’s note: John Browand is a senior at Peninsula High School and a scholarship winner of the KP News Student Journalism Program. He also received a scholarship from the Edward R. Murrow College of Communication at Washington State University, which he will attend in the fall.

Good luck, John, and thank you.