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Ashland Today
By the People, for the People
KUHS Band Shines at District Solo Festival: Tommy Biggs Takes First and Advances to State
Klamath Union High School musicians excel at regional competition, with Tommy Biggs earning spot at state contest.
Published on Mar. 9, 2026
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Klamath Union High School's band program celebrated strong performances from its students at the Southern Oregon Music Educators Association (SOMEA/OMEA District 8) Winds & Percussion Solo and Ensemble Festival. Several KUHS musicians, including seniors Aeris Saindon and Elaina Nork, junior Tommy Biggs, and freshman Oliver Case, delivered impressive solo pieces. In a standout achievement, Tommy Biggs placed first in his instrument category and advanced to the prestigious OSAA State Solo Contest.
Why it matters
The SOMEA/OMEA District 8 Solo and Ensemble Festival is a prestigious regional competition that allows high school musicians to showcase their talents and vie for spots at the state-level contest. KUHS's strong showing highlights the quality of its band program and the dedication of its students, which helps inspire the next generation of young musicians in the community.
The details
At the district-level contest, high school musicians perform prepared solo pieces and receive ratings and feedback from adjudicators. KUHS standouts included seniors Aeris Saindon on bassoon and Elaina Nork on alto saxophone, junior Tommy Biggs on trumpet, and freshman Oliver Case on trombone. In a standout achievement, Tommy Biggs placed first in his instrument category, earning a spot to advance to the OSAA State Solo Contest on May 2, 2026, at Portland State University.
- The SOMEA/OMEA District 8 Winds & Percussion Solo and Ensemble Festival was held on Saturday, February 28, 2026, in Ashland, Oregon.
- The OSAA State Solo Contest will take place on May 2, 2026, at Portland State University.
The players
Tommy Biggs
A junior at Klamath Union High School who performed a technically demanding piece on trumpet, placing first in his instrument category and advancing to the OSAA State Solo Contest.
Aeris Saindon
A senior at Klamath Union High School who performed a solo piece on bassoon.
Elaina Nork
A senior at Klamath Union High School who performed a solo piece on alto saxophone.
Oliver Case
A freshman at Klamath Union High School who delivered a strong and confident performance on trombone.
Braedon Henderson
A student at Ponderosa Middle School who showcased his musical talents on percussion.
Jonah Kupitz
A student at Ponderosa Middle School who showcased his musical talents on trumpet.
Oliver Coslet
A student at Ponderosa Middle School who showcased his musical talents on trumpet.
What’s next
Tommy Biggs will compete at the OSAA State Solo Contest on May 2, 2026, at Portland State University.
The takeaway
KUHS's strong showing at the regional solo festival highlights the quality of its band program and the dedication of its students, which helps inspire the next generation of young musicians in the community. The school's success at this prestigious competition demonstrates the hard work and talent of its musicians, who are poised for even greater achievements at the state level.
