South Whidbey Schools’ Band Director, Catherine Ballestrasse, once again showed her grace and ability to pivot and lead at last …

The South Whidbey School District posted this to its Facebook page on 2026-03-04 15:37:55.

South Whidbey Schools’ Band Director, Catherine Ballestrasse, once again showed her grace and ability to pivot and lead at last night’s Spring Band Concert. When the SWHS theater/auditorium was no longer an option for their performance, Ms B had students gathered their chairs, stands and instruments to set up in the main gym. She warned the audience that the acoustics were not favorable, but with her pride in the students and the work they’ve accomplished together, the show must go on! Sure enough, the students performed their spring program wonderfully. The concert began with the 6th grade band performing Banana Boat Song, March Militaire, Robin Hood and the Golden Arrow, and the Dragon Dance. Then the 7th and 8th grade band performed Lost in Mommoth Cave, Korean Folk Rhapsody, and Viper. Followed by the high school Wind Ensemble with Exordium, the three movements of Peer Gynt Suite, and Rondo for Winds and Percussion. The concert finale was the Jazz Ensemble who just returned from the Kiwanis Jazz Festival in Vancouver BC earning gold and an invitation to play at Music Fest Nationals in Niagara Falls Ontario. The Jazz Ensemble performed Groove Merchant, Miss Leisure, The Queen Bee, and Annie’s Dance. All of the students did an excellent job! Way to go South Whidbey