Three eighth-grade students from Chehalem Valley Middle School played in the all-state band this year. Hayley Koskela, 13, clarinet; Cassidy Helikson, 13, bass clarinet; and Cole Aldred, 13, snare drum; took part in the all-state band performance the weekend of Jan. 15 in Eugene. While most musicians had several weeks to prepare, Aldred only had a few days, as he was a late selection for the honor.

There were 103 musicians playing and Helikson said they were exposed to instruments, like the bassoon, that Chehalem Valley’s band doesn’t have and were able to mingle with like-minded people.

CVMS band director Dave Sanders said the students often come back from the event energized and with “a lot of tools about rehearsal techniques.” He had nominated 10 students. “The three kids who went this year are extremely talented.” It was kind of the luck of the draw that three students from one school were selected – normally only one or two go – as a percussionist was indisposed at the last minute.
Laurent Bonczijk, the Newberg Graphic