Chelan music students celebrate successful spring season

CHELAN — Chelan Middle School and High School musicians celebrated a spring season filled with performances, awards and milestones, highlighting the dedication of students, families, staff and the community.

“This is a fast paced celebration/highlights/pictures of the hard work of so many students in our music program this spring,” said Stephen Burdick, Chelan High School and Middle School band director.

The Chelan Middle School 7th/8th Grade Band and Chelan High School Concert Band both earned a Superior Plus rating at the NCWMEA Music Festival, the highest score possible. The achievement continued a tradition of excellence, with both groups earning Superior ratings since 2006.

The high school concert band also performed at Disneyland, taking the stage at the Hollywood Stage in California Adventure. Students performed for an audience of families who traveled from across Washington to support the Chelan musicians. The group also participated in a recording session with a Disney musician, recording five mini “Cues” or “Soundtracks” from Disney movies.

“This was an incredible accomplishment for a band to achieve in the 90 minute recording session,” Burdick said.

Chelan’s Mountain Goat Marching Band also had a strong showing in spring parades. The high school marching band earned first place in the Wenatchee Apple Blossom Parade’s Ambrosia Division, which included eight bands from across the Pacific Northwest. The group placed fourth overall among 18 bands, including larger 4A schools.

The victory marked the first time Chelan’s high school band has placed in the Wenatchee Apple Blossom Parade since 1996. The band also earned first place in the Manson Apple Blossom Parade.

The middle school marching band, made up of 7th and 8th grade students, returned as its own dedicated group for the first time since COVID. Wearing new polo shirts, the students earned second place in the Wenatchee Apple Blossom Parade while competing against local bands and Wenatchee middle schools.

Students across grades 5-12 also performed in spring concerts, including the 17th Annual Chinook Beginning Band Festival hosted by the MOE 5th Grade Band. The Valley Winds Community Concert Band performed in April, raising money for a Summer Youth Music Scholarship.

The music program’s annual Concert in the Park event marked its 20th year, bringing together all bands for a year-end celebration and awards night.

The season concluded with Chelan musicians performing for the community during the 2026 graduation ceremony. Combined 7th- through 11th-grade bands performed a pre-concert celebration before the ceremony and later accompanied graduating seniors with “Pomp & Circumstance.”

The performance gave younger students an opportunity to perform alongside older musicians during one of Chelan High School’s largest community events.

“Go Goats!” Burdick said.