Wednesday, October 28, 2026
CHELAN — Two Chelan High School seniors will join musicians from around the world in SeaTac next month after earning spots in the Western International Band Clinic.
Trumpeters Jayden Burdick and Kole Nelson were selected by audition for the annual event, which runs Nov. 20-23. The clinic brings together student musicians for several days of rehearsals, workshops and performances.
The two will have an opportunity to work with conductors, composers and soloists while playing alongside other students in a concert setting, according to Chelan High School. The annual clinic draws high school and university musicians, giving participants a chance to learn from experienced professionals and their peers.
Chelan High School Band Director Stephen Burdick said this year’s event drew a record number of auditions in its 48-year history.
“I am incredibly proud of our student musicians for auditioning and being selected to participate in this prestigious event,” he said in a statement. “This has become an extremely competitive audition process with a 48-year record high number of overall auditions, making it highly competitive to earn a spot. Even submitting an audition for this event is an accomplishment.”
Guest composers and conductors for the 2026 clinic include JaRod Hall, Tim Lautzenheiser, Peter Boonshaft, Patricia Cornett, William Owens and Robert Ponto. Jazz clarinetist Doreen Ketchens is a featured guest soloist.
The selection recognizes the work the two Chelan seniors put into preparing their auditions and offers them a chance to represent their school’s music program among students from other communities.
More information about the clinic is available at bandworld.org.
Andrew Simpson: 509-433-7626 or andrew@ward.media
Comments
No comments on this item Please log in to comment by clicking here