On Feb. 24, Kingston Middle School and Kingston High School were proud to host this year’s Olympic Music Educators Association (OMEA) Solo and Ensemble Contest.

We had 310 entries representing over 500 students attending from middle schools and high schools from throughout Kitsap and Mason counties, 12 well-known judges adjudicating from around western Washington. For many people this was the first time they had visited our schools and they were impressed with the warmth and student-friendly environment.

I want to thank Tom Guenther of Kingston High School Band for his outstanding job of being our co-host of the event and scheduling all the entries; Craig Barry (principal) and the staff of Kingston Middle School; Dr. Laurynn Evans, NKSD superintendent; Mike Hill and Hill Moving Services of Poulsbo for their generous donation of moving the district pianos to KMS and back; Brandy Lacey for all the administrative work involved; Laura Upton and the KMS Band Boosters/parents and students who volunteered to help run the event, plus parents and students from Kingston High School, Bainbridge Island High School and Fairview Middle School, who also volunteered to help out. Special thanks to Paul Langland and Mack Rienstra for coordinating the stage crew.

It was a wonderful event for all students to participate in, for which I am extremely grateful and again say “Thank you” to all who helped make this event happen.

Jeff Haag, Director of Bands

Kingston Middle School

2018 OMEA Solo & Ensemble Contest Chairman