Hockinson bands win awards in April

Hockinson — In April, Hockinson High School bands rocked their way to top awards during three days of competition. In addition to winning two first-place awards at the University of Portland Jazz Festival in Portland, the Hockinson band program also won the top prize — Outstanding Instrumental Music Program Award — at the Columbia Basin College Band Festival in Pasco. The latter award is given to one band in each division with the highest combined concert band and jazz band scores. “I’m very proud of the way our students not only performed but also represented our school and community,” said Corey McEnry, Hockinson band director. “Numerous judges, and even other bands, were impressed not just with our ability but also with our professionalism and respect for other band programs.”