Although the COVID-19 situation has disrupted our lives and plans, we continue to celebrate the following students for their accomplishments.

From left:  Emma Ortman (7th grade) - Trumpet, Band Teacher, Mr. Ostrand, Coleson Schroder (6th grade) - Euphomium, Evan Roberts (8th grade) - Baritone Saxophone, Sanjae Sy (8th grade) - Percussion

Graham Calhoun (6th grade) - Trumpet

These students were first nominated for the Honor Band by PCS band teacher, Mr. Joseph Ostrand, based on their daily participation in class and a high level of musical performance ability. 

Three of these students are returning participants to the Honor Band - Sy, Roberts, and Ortman.  All the students this year, who won this honor are very excited for this unique opportunity to build musicianship, skill and passion for instrumental music.

According to prior plans, these student musicians would have played in a band with students of similar interests and ability levels from twenty different schools from around the East Multnomah County area.  More than 140 students were nominated from across our district.

The weekend would typically have consisted of intensive rehearsal sessions with an experienced band director, culminating in a final performance for parents and family members at 4:00 p.m. on April 11 at Mt. Hood Community College.

In keeping with the governor’s mandate of “Stay Home, Save Lives”, the event has been canceled for this year.

We are saddened by this situation, but we nevertheless commend these young musicians and are confident that they will continue to excel as the hone their musical abilities at home .  We look forward to the day when the PCS music department can once again be together in the same room and make beautiful music together!  

Co-written by Joseph Ostrand, Grace Dugger & Linda Swenson