The Tukes Valley Middle School band program in Battle Ground celebrated a year of musical growth, achievement and dedication during its final concert of the 2025-26 school year on June 3.
The evening featured performances by the school's concert bands and jazz ensemble, showcasing the progress students made throughout the year.
Between musical selections, Director of Bands Alison Pierce recognized students for achievement, leadership, citizenship and dedication while families, friends and fellow musicians filled the audience with applause.
The concert served as both a celebration and a farewell. Four eighth-grade band students delivered a brief and emotional address to their fellow musicians and Pierce, reflecting on their years in the program and expressing gratitude for the experiences they shared through music. For the program's graduating musicians, the evening marked the final chapter of their middle school band experience and the start of their musical journeys at the high school level.
Several students were also recognized as Band Honor Students. Honors Band distinction is awarded to musicians who demonstrate advanced musical proficiency, participate in a solo performance or ensemble, and remain actively involved in the Tukes Valley band program throughout the school year.
The evening capped another successful year for the program, which continues to provide students with opportunities to develop musical skills while building teamwork, discipline and artistic expression. Earlier this spring, six Tukes Valley musicians earned selection to the 2026 Clark County Honors Band, joining some of Southwest Washington's most accomplished young performers.
Those students were Jera Meuser, Jaxson Glover, Thea Mitchell, Caleb Osei-Nimoh, Bella Willson and Natalie Lamendola.
“As another successful school year comes to a close, the recognition of these students reflects the lasting impact of music education and the commitment of young musicians who devote countless hours to mastering their craft both in and beyond the classroom,” the school stated in a news release.
In recognition of their accomplishments throughout the year, the following students received awards during the June 3 concert:
2026 Band Award recipients:
Eighth grade
• Outstanding Musician: Jaxson Glover
• Dedicated Musician: Piper Henry-Zimmerman
Seventh grade
• Outstanding Musician: Caleb Osei-Nimoh
• Dedicated Musician: Amy Bringhurst
Sixth grade
• Outstanding Musician: Violet Kohlenberger
• Dedicated Musician: Emma Dohman
Fifth grade
• Outstanding Musician: Beau Miltinberger
• Dedicated Musician: Rosemary Burtcher
Jazz Band Award
• Thea Mitchell
Band Honors Students
Seventh Grade
• Amy Bringhurst
• Kaden Searcy
Eighth Grade
• Piper Henry-Zimmerman
