West Salem sweeps state high school music championships

High school bands and orchestras from around Oregon competed recently in the 2023 Oregon State Activities Association state music championships, held at Oregon State University in Corvallis.

West Salem High School swept the competition, placing first in band, string orchestra and full orchestra.

South Salem, Sprague, McNary and McKay high schools also took home honors.

It was the first time in McKay's history that the school placed for band at the state level, district officials said.

Todd Zimbelman is director of bands and co-director of the symphony orchestra at West Salem High School.

“It wouldn’t happen without support, from the district office, from the community, from the parents,” Zimbelman said of the district’s powerhouse music program.

Students work incredibly hard to even get to the state championships, he said. By the time they perform, his band students have learned and performed 16 to 20 pieces.

Even if they don't become professional musicians, Zimbelman said, that work will pay off.

"In music, they learn a ton of life skills and a ton of processes to be successful in whatever they choose to do after high school," he said. "When they get out of high school, no matter what they choose to do, they have some of those skills built into their psyche."

Here is the full list of winners.

Full Orchestra:

First place: West Salem High School, directed by George Thomson and Todd Zimbelman

Second place: South Salem High School, directed by Damian Berdakin and JJ Meyer

Third place: McNary High School, directed by Sean Williams and Elizabeth Hering

String Orchestra:

First place: West Salem High School, directed by George Thomson

Second place: South Salem High School, directed by Damian Berdakin

Third place: Grants Pass High School, directed by Krista DeBolt

Fourth place: David Douglas High School, directed by Michelle Lindberg

Fifth place: Sprague High School, directed by Lisa Rael

6A Band:

First place: West Salem High School, directed by Todd Zimbelman

Second place: McNary High School, directed by Elizabeth Hering

Third place: Sherwood High School, directed by Brant Stai

Fourth place: Mountainside High School, directed by Jeremy Zander

Fifth place: Cleveland High School, directed by Gary Riler

5A Band:

First place: West Albany High School, directed by Stuart Welsh

Second place: Canby High School, directed by Nick Luchterhand

Third place: Parkrose High School, directed by Keija Lee

Fourth place: Putnam High School, directed by Jeff Wilson

Fifth Place: McKay High School, directed by Scott Avzaradel

High school choirs competed earlier in May.

Tracy Loew covers the environment at the Statesman Journal. Send comments, questions and tips totloew@statesmanjournal.com, 503-399-6779. Follow her on Twitter at@Tracy_Loew