Redmond HS Wind Ensemble qualifies for state

The Redmond High School Wind Ensemble recently placed second at the Central Oregon District Band Festival and qualified to play at the OSAA State Band Championships on May 12 in Corvallis.

“I’m proud of our students for doing so well at the local band festival and excited about their chances during the state championship in May,” band and choir teacher Ben Lawson said.

Lawson, a 1998 graduate of RHS, has led the high school’s band and choir since 2015.

This marks the first time that the Redmond High band program has been selected to play at the state level since becoming a 5A school five years ago.

The RHS Wind Ensemble is an auditioned group that supports the school at all home football and basketball games and performs for community events on a regular basis.

Students from this ensemble have received individual honor by being selected to participate at the Western International Band Clinic, Oregon All-State Jazz Band, the OSAA State Solo Festival and the Central Oregon District Honor Band.