344 Students Perform at GHC’s Small Schools Band Festival

Posted on: Dec, 17, 2024

Organized by Dr. William Dyer, Director of Music at Grays Harbor College, and run by GHC Music students, the Small Schools Band Festival is an annual event that takes place at the Bishop Center for Performing Arts each fall. At the festival, local high school bands have the opportunity to perform and then have the chance to learn from clinicians provided by the college.

With a sponsorship from the Grays Harbor College Foundation, GHC was able to host clinicians Stephanie Sheppard from Tacoma Schools, Megan Shultz from White River Schools, and Greg Allison who is retired from Olympia Schools. After each performance, the clinicians approached the bands with praise and constructive critiques, in order to help each band find their own sound.

The participating bands at the 2024 Small Schools Band Festival were Hoquiam High School, Ilwaco High School, Montesano High School, North Beach Jr./Sr. High School, South Bend High School, Tenino High School, Willapa Valley High School, and Wishkah Valley High School.

The event also served as an opportunity for GHC’s Director of Recruitment and Admissions Johnny Alavéz and Financial Aid Navigator Jenny Crawford to present information to prospective students in the bands and audience.

“Your passion for music and dedication to learning are the keys to unlocking a world of endless possibilities,” said Crawford. “Believe in your talent, pursue your dreams, and let music and education open the doors to a bright and limitless future.”