Battle Ground musicians take top honors

Battle Ground — Musicians from Daybreak and Chief Umtuch middle schools and Battle Ground High School took honors at recent Northwest events. The Daybreak band was judged best of five middle school bands from the state on May 5 at the Loyalty Days Parade in Long Beach. Daybreak’s dance and flag teams also won first place in the parade. And, at the Pleasant Hill Jazz Festival near Eugene, Ore. on April 21, the BGHS band took first in advanced jazz band, with sophomore trombonist Kaleb Armstrong winning a soloist award. Senior vocalist Austin Ebert won a soloist award and sophomore vocalist Maddie Schilling was second in soloist competition. The jazz combo was also first. Chief Umtuch Middle School trumpeter Steve Montecucco won a soloist award.