Kettle Falls Band Looks to Build on Momentum This Season

After making significant strides last year, Kettle Falls Band Director Jacob Scharbrough believes his musicians are ready to take another step forward this season. Scharbrough said expectations are high for a group that has gained experience, developed stronger student leadership, and built a growing culture around both the band and choir programs. “My expectations are really high for this group,” Scharbrough said.

“We made some big strides last year, and I think this year we can build on that.” For fans attending Kettle Falls sporting events, that growth should be noticeable from the stands. The band enters the year with roughly two dozen songs in its pep-band book, with Scharbrough hoping to keep the atmosphere lively throughout games. “At games, people should expect a band that brings a lot of energy, plays a wide variety of music, and really tries to add to the atmosphere,” he said. “We have a pretty large pepband book, so the goal is to keep things moving and make the band a noticeable part of the game-day experience.” Several experienced musicians return to lead the program.

Alexzander Johnson, who plays piano and guitar, returns after being named Outstanding Soloist at the Masterclass Big Band Festival last year. Scharbrough said the program also has students returning with experience in honor groups, All-State ensembles, festivals, and performances at Woodlands Theater. Drummer Kalel Mendoza is another key returning leader. Mendoza is a two-time recipient of the John Philip Sousa Award. “There are very few students who are as dedicated to music and to our program as Kalel,” Scharbrough said.

“I am extremely thankful for the effort, leadership, and consistency he brings every day.” The choir program also brings back accomplished performers. Charlie Dickey and Kara Wicks were both selected for the All-State Treble Choir and have developed into leaders through what Scharbrough described as their professionalism, work ethic, and commitment. “I’m looking to these experienced students, along with our other returning leaders, to help set the standard for our younger musicians and continue building the culture of the program,” he said.

Several newer faces could also take on larger roles. Scharbrough highlighted Troy Benwell and Liam Deaver for their commitment to the program, while Kendle McGovern returns on alto saxophone in the jazz band and is expected to help lead the saxophone section. Abigail Ocasio is expected to join the program during the second semester and add further depth on saxophone. “All these musicians have been putting in extra time and work to make themselves better, and I am extremely proud of them,” Scharbrough said.

On the choir side, Scharbrough pointed to Lacey Annunzio, Jody Cooper, Thea Cruden, Hunter Fox, Quincy Hardy, Sytara Sillars, and Adelaide Waterworth as students who have shown significant growth and could pursue honor choir opportunities this year. The music itself will continue evolving throughout the season. Scharbrough said the pep band currently has about two dozen songs available, mixing recognizable music, high-energy stands tunes, and selections the students enjoy performing.

More songs will be added as the year progresses. Students also have a say in what makes it into the repertoire. “Students will often come to me with suggestions, or they’ll bring me a song and ask if I can arrange it for the band,” Scharbrough said. “When it works for our group, I love being able to incorporate those ideas into our repertoire.” He said giving students input helps create more ownership of the program and makes performing more meaningful. That sense of ownership may be the biggest change Scharbrough sees entering the new year.

“What stands out to me most is the growth in the culture of both the band and choir programs,” he said. “Students are taking more ownership, supporting one another, and really starting to see themselves as part of something bigger than just a class.” Last season provided students with opportunities to earn solo awards, participate in festivals, perform in honor groups, and step into leadership roles. Scharbrough believes those experiences have raised expectations throughout the program.

He is also encouraged by students’ willingness to challenge themselves, whether through taking solos, trying different musical styles, learning new instruments, or pursuing larger performance opportunities. “Last year gave both groups a lot of confidence,” Scharbrough said, “and I think this year is about continuing to build on that momentum and creating even more opportunities for our students to succeed.”