![RHS Jazz 1’s clinic after performance with Vern Sielert, director of Jazz Studies at U of Idaho.]([{"url":"https://resources.finalsite.net/images/f_auto,q_auto,t_image_size_1/v1777311081/rsdedu/gcwrnc3j9f1yt1lfu4yg/Jazz1ClinicCBC26withVern.jpg","width":256},{"url":"https://resources.finalsite.net/images/f_auto,q_auto,t_image_size_2/v1777311081/rsdedu/gcwrnc3j9f1yt1lfu4yg/Jazz1ClinicCBC26withVern.jpg","width":512},{"url":"https://resources.finalsite.net/images/f_auto,q_auto/v1777311081/rsdedu/gcwrnc3j9f1yt1lfu4yg/Jazz1ClinicCBC26withVern.jpg","width":640}])
The Richland High School music program continues to set a high standard for excellence, earning the prestigious “Don Paul” Outstanding Program Award for the 4A division at the CBC Wind Ensemble and Jazz Unlimited Festival. This award recognizes the program with the highest combined scores from Wind Ensemble and Jazz 1—marking a historic first for Richland High School and highlighting the exceptional depth and quality of its band program.
The RHS Wind Ensemble received a perfect score along with a Gold rating, while the Symphonic Band also earned a Gold rating, underscoring the strength of the school’s concert bands.
Student musicians also saw impressive success in jazz performance:
- The Freshman Jazz Band placed 3rd in the 2A division and received Outstanding Saxophone and Rhythm Section awards. Freshmen Kelly Pham, Maria Kowash, and Auri Kowash were each recognized with Outstanding Musicianship awards.
- The Jazz 1 Band earned 3rd place in the 4A division and was recognized for its Outstanding Trumpet Section. Sophomore Ronan Scott was one of only two students selected from the entire event to perform at the final concert alongside featured guest artist Ulysses Owens Jr. from New York.
These achievements reflect the dedication, talent, and hard work of Richland High School’s student musicians and music educators, and reinforce the program’s reputation for excellence across multiple performance areas.