Six Chelan High musicians earn spots at Western International Band Clinic

The six standout musicians selected this year from Chelan High School to attend WIBC are a credit to Chelan’s incredible music program.

COURTESY OF STEPHEN BURDICK

Posted Monday, October 20, 2025 1:37 pm

By ANDREW SIMPSON
Ward Media Staff Reporter

CHELAN — Six Chelan High School musicians have earned spots at the Western International Band Clinic (WIBC), an audition-only honor festival that gathers standout student players from across the country for four days of rehearsals, clinics, and concert performances in SeaTac, Nov. 21–24.

Chelan’s 2025 cohort features five returning WIBC veterans — a rare level of continuity for any one program — plus one first-time selectee:

Jayden Burdick (Trumpet, Grade 11) — returning WIBC participant
Hailey Fogelson (Clarinet, Grade 11) — returning WIBC participant
Kole Nelson (Trumpet, Grade 11) — returning WIBC participant
Daniela Ochoa Bernal (Percussion, Grade 12) — first-time WIBC selectee
Jonah Simmons (French Horn, Grade 12) — returning WIBC participant
Austin Zimmer (Tenor Sax, Grade 10) — returning WIBC participant

WIBC places auditioned students into full wind ensembles led by nationally recognized conductors and composers. Across the weekend, participants tackle advanced repertoire, attend sectional clinics and masterclasses, and close with public performances that cap the intensive rehearsal schedule. This year’s guest faculty includes Tyler S. Grant, Dr. Tim Lautzenheiser, Dr. Elizabeth Peterson, Dr. Cynthia Johnston Turner, Diane Koutsulis, and Robert Ponto, with featured soloists trombonist Harry Watters and tubist Patrick Sheridan.

Band Director Stephen Burdick praised the group’s work ethic and consistency. “I am incredibly proud of our student musicians for auditioning and being selected to participate in this prestigious event,” Burdick said. “It’s a testament to their hard work and dedication, and we know they will represent our school and community with excellence.”

Last fall, Chelan sent ten students to WIBC; five of this year’s honorees — Burdick, Fogelson, Nelson, Simmons, and Zimmer — are returning from that 2024 cohort. The repeat selections underscore both the students’ sustained growth and the program’s momentum.

Chelan High School congratulated the six musicians on their achievement and said it looks forward to sharing highlights from their WIBC experience with the community after the festival.

Andrew Simpson: 509-433-7626 or andrew@ward.media