The mass band — featuring more than 200 musicians among the 10 schools — performed “Zia Zia,” directed by John Neuman; “Luna,” directed by Karl Scarborough; “Best of the West,” directed by Dave Stingley and “Danger Zone,” directed by Rachel Lake.

ILWACO — More than 200 musicians filled the Ilwaco gymnasium for the 2023 SWWMEA Mass Band Event earlier this month.

Nearly a dozen area chools participated, including school bands from Ilwaco, Castle Rock, Onalaska, PeEll, Rainier, South Bend, Toledo, Toutle Lake, Wahkiakum and Winlock.

Band trophies were presented to region one winner Onalaska and region two winner Pe-Ell, as well as participation plaques to each of the attending schools.

Following the awards, the honor band, under the direction of director Derek White, performed ‘Under an Irish Sky’, ‘Pi’s lullaby’ and ‘Crush’.

The mass band — featuring more than 200 musicians among the 10 schools — performed “Zia Zia,” directed by John Neuman; “Luna,” directed by Karl Scarborough; “Best of the West,” directed by Dave Stingley and “Danger Zone,” directed by Rachel Lake. The event allowed smaller school bands — which may only number in the single digits — the opportunity to perform alongside their peers and experience a full band.

Members of the Ilwaco Honor Band were recognized, including Kara Meinhardt, flute; Rachel Mower, flute; Juian Frazier, flute; Alaina Curry, clarinet; Olina Gilbertson, clarinet; Juliet Perez, alto sax; Lucas Priest, tuba; Jacob Mathison, trumpet; Esther Thomas, trumpet; Hayden Gentry, trombone and Lucas Siewert, trombone.

The mass band event rotates to different schools each year, and was last held at Ilwaco in 2015.