The Midwest Clinic attracts 18,000 attendees from all 50 states and more than 40 countries
VANCOUVER – Twenty student musicians from Mountain View High School will perform at the world’s largest instrumental music education conference this winter. The school’s Jazz Band I was selected to participate in the 79th Annual Midwest Clinic International Band and Orchestra Conference in Chicago from December 17-19.
The Mountain View musicians, under the tutelage of band director Sam Ormson, recorded three performances in February to submit as a blind audition. In April, they received the news that they are one of five bands, out of hundreds that auditioned, that were selected to perform.
“Being invited to perform at the Midwest Clinic is a monumental achievement for our program,” Ormson said. “This opportunity reflects the achievement, dedication and hard work of our students, and we are thrilled to represent our school and community on such a prestigious stage.”
The Midwest Clinic attracts 18,000 attendees from all 50 states and more than 40 countries. It serves as a showcase for outstanding ensembles and a development opportunity for music students and educators.
The selection adds to the Mountain View Jazz Band’s history of achievement under Ormson and Jazz Band II director Mark Claassen, including being a four-time sweepstakes winner at the Clark College Festival. The ensemble is known for its commitment to the swing traditions of the Count Basie Orchestra as well as pushing boundaries with modern big band music.
“This trip really symbolizes how important it is to have jazz programs in school because, look where it can take you,” said Rey Notarte, a senior. “You can go and teach other people how to use their jazz program in their school. I wouldn’t be who I am today without this jazz program.”
The Mountain View Jazz Band and other music programs in Evergreen Public Schools are made possible by the generosity of voters who approved the Educational Programs & Operations levy in February. For more information on the Mountain View Jazz Band, including ways to help defray trip expenses, along with videos of the three audition performances, go to www.mvim.org/midwestclinic.
Information provided by the Evergreen School District.
Also read:
- Opinion: Inviting courts into health care policy discussion
Elizabeth New (Hovde) warns that Senate Joint Resolution 8206 could invite lawsuits by placing vague health care mandates into Washington’s Constitution. - Opinion: 24 States In. Washington Out? $732 Million Lost?
Vicki Murray argues Washington risks forfeiting $732 million in federal education funding if state leaders do not opt into the federal tax-credit scholarship program. - C-TRAN offering free service on Transit Equity Day, Feb. 4
C-TRAN will offer free service across its entire system on February 4 in observance of Transit Equity Day, honoring the legacy of Rosa Parks. - City of Battle Ground prepares for 75th Anniversary Celebration
The City of Battle Ground is marking the 75th anniversary of its incorporation with a year-long series of community activities and celebrations planned throughout 2026. - Opinion: Nationwide strike in support of illegals and opposing the rule of law?
Lars Larson argues that a reported nationwide strike reflects opposition to immigration enforcement and the rule of law, criticizing political leaders and media coverage. - POLL: Should councilors serving on boards be required to vote the way the full council decides?
A new poll asks whether Clark County councilors serving on boards should be required to vote in line with the full council’s position or retain independent judgment. - Ninth Circuit revives claims against prosecutor who personally swore to warrant affidavit containing alleged false statements
The Ninth Circuit ruled that prosecutorial immunity does not apply when a prosecutor personally swears to alleged false statements used to obtain an arrest warrant.
