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Tukes Valley Middle School Band program honors student achievement at year-end concert

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Director of Bands Alison Pierce delivers remarks before student performances begin at the annual spring concert.
Director of Bands Alison Pierce delivers remarks before student performances begin at the annual spring concert. Photo courtesy Rye Dilley

🎧 Tukes Valley Band Celebrates a Year of Music and Growth

The evening featured performances by the school’s concert bands and jazz ensemble, showcasing the progress students made throughout the year

BATTLE GROUND — The Tukes Valley Middle School band program celebrated a year of musical growth, achievement and dedication during its final concert of the 2025–26 school year on June 3.

The evening featured performances by the school’s concert bands and jazz ensemble, showcasing the progress students made throughout the year. Between musical selections,

Eighth grader Piper Henry-Zimmermann accepts the Outstanding Musician Award from Director of Bands Alison Pierce.
Eighth grader Piper Henry-Zimmermann accepts the Outstanding Musician Award from Director of Bands Alison Pierce. Photo courtesy Rye Dilley

Director of Bands Alison Pierce recognized students for achievement, leadership, citizenship and dedication while families, friends and fellow musicians filled the audience with applause.

Jazz Band Award recipient Thea Mitchell delivers an emotional farewell speech during the final middle school concert for the Class of 2030. Mitchell was one of two drum majors who led the Tukes Valley marching band in the 2026 Hazel Dell Parade of Bands.
Jazz Band Award recipient Thea Mitchell delivers an emotional farewell speech during the final middle school concert for the Class of 2030. Mitchell was one of two drum majors who led the Tukes Valley marching band in the 2026 Hazel Dell Parade of Bands. Photo courtesy Rye Dilley

The concert served as both a celebration and a farewell. Four eighth-grade band students delivered a brief and emotional address to their fellow musicians and Pierce, reflecting on their years in the program and expressing gratitude for the experiences they shared through music.

Jaxson Glover performs a tenor saxophone solo during the Jazz Band’s performance of “Cold Duck Time.”
Jaxson Glover performs a tenor saxophone solo during the Jazz Band’s performance of “Cold Duck Time.” Photo courtesy Rye Dilley

For the program’s graduating musicians, the evening marked the final chapter of their middle school band experience and the start of their musical journeys at the high school level.

Members of the sixth-, seventh-, and eighth-grade ensembles perform “Funkytown” by Lipps Inc. during the concert finale. The song was also featured in the band’s performance at the 2026 Hazel Dell Parade of Bands on May 16.
Members of the sixth-, seventh-, and eighth-grade ensembles perform “Funkytown” by Lipps Inc. during the concert finale. The song was also featured in the band’s performance at the 2026 Hazel Dell Parade of Bands on May 16. Photo courtesy Rye Dilley

Several students were also recognized as Band Honor Students. Honors Band distinction is awarded to musicians who demonstrate advanced musical proficiency, participate in a solo performance or ensemble, and remain actively involved in the Tukes Valley band program throughout the school year.

Seventh grader Amy Bringhurst accepts the Dedicated Musician Award from Alison Pierce. Pierce praised Bringhurst for “practicing until her fingers ache.”
Seventh grader Amy Bringhurst accepts the Dedicated Musician Award from Alison Pierce. Pierce praised Bringhurst for “practicing until her fingers ache.” Photo courtesy Rye Dilley

The evening capped another successful year for the program, which continues to provide students with opportunities to develop musical skills while building teamwork, discipline and artistic expression. Earlier this spring, six Tukes Valley musicians earned selection to the 2026

Daphnie Collins and Becca Berry perform the clarinet arrangement “Disney Blockbusters” with the seventh-grade ensemble. Collins was one of two drum majors who conducted the Tukes Valley marching band during the 2026 Hazel Dell Parade of Bands.
Daphnie Collins and Becca Berry perform the clarinet arrangement “Disney Blockbusters” with the seventh-grade ensemble. Collins was one of two drum majors who conducted the Tukes Valley marching band during the 2026 Hazel Dell Parade of Bands. Photo courtesy Rye Dilley

Clark County Honors Band, joining some of Southwest Washington’s most accomplished young performers. Those students were Jera Meuser, Jaxson Glover, Thea Mitchell, Caleb

Members of the fifth-grade Beginning Band perform “Raider’s March.”
Members of the fifth-grade Beginning Band perform “Raider’s March.” Photo courtesy Rye Dilley

Osei-Nimoh, Bella Willson and Natalie Lamendola.

In recognition of their accomplishments throughout the year, the following students received awards during the June 3 concert:

2026 BAND AWARD RECIPIENTS

Eighth Grade

  • Outstanding Musician: Jaxson Glover
  • Dedicated Musician: Piper Henry-Zimmerman

Seventh Grade

  • Outstanding Musician: Caleb Osei-Nimoh
  • Dedicated Musician: Amy Bringhurst

Sixth Grade

  • Outstanding Musician: Violet Kohlenberger
  • Dedicated Musician: Emma Dohman

Fifth Grade

  • Outstanding Musician: Beau Miltinberger
  • Dedicated Musician: Rosemary Burtcher

Jazz Band Award

  • Thea Mitchell

BAND HONORS STUDENTS

Seventh Grade

  • Amy Bringhurst
  • Kaden Searcy

Eighth Grade

  • Piper Henry-Zimmerman

As another successful school year comes to a close, the recognition of these students reflects the lasting impact of music education and the commitment of young musicians who devote countless hours to master their craft both in and beyond the classroom.

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