Medical Lake High School band welcomes new freshmen

The Medical Lake High School band welcomed new some faces this year - 21 to be exact.

The 21 freshmen are just some of the new changes to this year's band, which total s66 students, and who are gearing up for a busy year.

Craig Johnson, director of the middle school and high school bands, said part of the appeal is having the high school students tour and perform in front of middle school and elementary students at the different buildings.

"The elementary and middle school students see that the band is performing well and having a fun time, which inspires them to join when they come to high school," Johnson said.

Johnson added that this year's band is a fun group, but also intense.

"They want to be successful," Johnson said.

One of the changes to this year's band is new drum major Nick Isherwood.

Isherwood, a junior, took over the position from his brother Kris Isherwood, who graduated last year though he still offers advice to his younger brother when he needs it. Isherwood credits Johnson's dedication and teaching factors that inspire middle school students to join band when they reach high school.

"This is the biggest band we've had in a while," Isherwood said. "There are a lot of talented freshmen this year who are pushing the rest of the band to do well, and as upperclassmen we help them."

Johnson said the freshmen are making good progress and he is looking forward to this year.

"Though we are a small school we can entertain and put on a great performance," Johnson said. "It should be a fun year."

Other returning band members who have stepped into leadership roles this year include Kai Wright, the new band president; Sofia Novochekhova, vice president/public relations and Emma Davis, secretary.

A new addition to the band is the advanced drum line, which will perform during halftime shows and at various events.

The band is preparing for 2016 WMEA (Washington Music Educators Association) All-State Honor Groups auditions, Oct. 1, as well as the solo/ensemble festival in February. The band will also perform in jazz festivals at Whitworth University, Eastern Washington University and the Lionel Hampton Jazz Festival. Other upcoming performances include the Oct. 10 EWU football game against Cal Poly, at the Spokane Veterans Home in November and at the Inland Northwest Honor Flight, Sept. 22.

"In the past we've gotten a few letters from families, thanking the band," Isherwood said. "It's one of the most rewarding things we do."

Al Stover can be reached at al@cheneyfreepress.com.