Colfax Spring concert begins with tribute

Colfax band teacher Mike Morgan started Monday night's spring band concert with recognition of Cary Cammack, who is retiring this year after serving the school district for 27 years as vocal instructor.

Morgan asked all students, former students and members of the audience who have been in Cammack's classes over the years, to stand to show the impact Cammack has had in the community.

Fifth, sixth, junior high and high school bands performed. The concert was capped by the Colfax jazz band, which topped its eight-band division Saturday at the Columbia Basin College competition.

Morgan reported during an introduction for the high school concert band that, for the first time, a Colfax entry actually earned a "superior plus" rating at adjudications earlier this year.

Members of the jazz band trombone section, who topped all other trombone groups Saturday at CBC, were also recognized. They include Kiah Miller, Derek Ward, Jacob Brown and Gene Gibler. For the two seniors, Miller and Ward, this was the second "best section" honor won during their CHS careers.

Senior Sarah Whelchel, named as outstanding soloist at CBC, performed her solo on the tenor saxophone during the band's ballad number.

Morgan said the jazz band will again compete at the Mt. Hood Jazz festival in Gresham, Ore., on the first weekend in May, then wrap up its year with the Jazz Band concert here May 10.

Top CBC soloist winner Sara Whelchel plays her tenor sax in the jazz band's ballad rendition of Overjoyed by Stevie Wonder.

Senior Abbie Miller plays a solo in the trumpet section.

Senior Riley Kincheloe plays an alto sax solo.

Colfax Jazz Band Monday night played the three songs from their competition segment which took the top finish in their division Saturday at the Columbia Basin Jazz Festival. It was the third straight division win for Colfax.

Jennings fifth graders opened Monday's concert with their first public performance with instruments.