Before everyone was sprucing up for Valentine’s Day, Kjelden George, Austin Chandler, Mr. John Miller,  and Mr. John Fabela woke up before the sun rose catch a plane to All-Northwest Band and Choir in Portland, OR.

They left on Feb. 14, and returned on Feb. 18.

All-Northwest, which ran Feb. 14-18, brings together the best high school musicians in the Northwest area. There were hundreds of scholars from Alaska, Washington, Oregon, Idaho, Montana and Wyoming.

“It’s a big honor, just because of the competition factor,” choir director Mr. Miller said. “I feel very fortunate that we have a school district to support it.”

George and Chandler performed Feb. 17.  George sang in the choir, and Chandler played (trombone) in the band.

“It is one of the greatest experiences,” band director Mr. Fabela said. “A teacher can have to see and hear one of their students perform.”

Added Mr. Miller: “My favorite part was the very last piece of the concert choir, it was precious, and they just did an amazing job.”

The talent level of the participants, who were chosen from pre-recorded auditions, led to notable performances.

“The music was really, really good,” Chandler said. “Compared to all the other bands I’ve been in, it was by far the best.”

The Panther group also did some sightseeing around downtown Portland, rode the light rail, went to a mall and ate at a the renowned Voodoo Donuts.

“My favorite part was the very last piece of the concert choir, it was precious,” Miller said, “and they just did an amazing job.”

Both teachers were very proud and said it was an honor for all of them to be there.

“I hope that Austin’s experience will inspire my younger students to audition in two years, and get to experience that amazing honor band as well,” Mr. Fabela said.

The band only performs every odd numbered year.  Chandler was Fabela’s third student to go in 11 years.

After the concert they all went to celebrate at Stanford’s, which turned out to be a very good steakhouse.

“I’m extremely proud,” Mr. Fabela said, “It takes a lot of hard work and dedication to just to be able to audition and be able to play the audition material. The audition materials are pretty difficult.”