Directors
Derek White | Director of Bands, KHS Music Department Head | derek.white@kelsosd.org
Originally from Tacoma, Washington, Mr. White is in his second year at Kelso High School where he instructs the Wind Ensemble, Concert Band, Jazz Ensemble, Percussion Ensemble, and Athletic Bands. He's also the advisor for the high school's Instrumental Music Council and Disc Golf Club.
Prior to Kelso High School, Mr. White earned his Bachelor and Master Degrees of Music in Music Education from the University of Oregon School of Music & Dance. At the university, Mr. White was a student leader and staff member in the Oregon Athletic Bands. He performed and conducted with the university's tuba-euphonium ensemble, concert bands, and many chamber ensembles. Mr. White taught private brass lessons for eight years through Music Masters, a lesson studio in Eugene, OR, teaching students ranging in age 3-75. He is also an avid arranger, having over 60 classical and pop arrangements to his name.
Mr. White believes in a multifaceted approach to understanding music and looks forward to working with the Kelso community in developing our students' musicianship on intellectual, emotional, and technical levels. He lives in Longview with his girlfriend Helena, their two cats Sebastian and Finnegan, and their turtle Missy.
Brent LiaBraaten | Director of Choirs | brent.liabraaten@kelsosd.org
Brent LiaBraaten is a proud graduate of Washington State University where he received a B.A. in Music Education and a M.A. in Music with an emphasis in choral conducting. It was through his own Kelso School District music experience where his love for music was cultivated. He is proud to return to his alma mater to help students explore their own relationship with the choral and musical arts.
Brent formally taught 14 years as the choral director at Woodland High School and Middle School. He built a successful program and strong ties to that community. While it was a big change to come to Kelso, he is excited to be supporting his home town and hoping to do the same here in Kelso.
Brent also is a member of the professional tenor/bass ensemble Male Ensemble Northwest. For over a decade he has been involved with this not for profit group and believes deeply in their mission statement to spread joy and inspiration through the choral arts, and inspire young singers to do the same in their communities.
Brent met his wife at Coweeman Junior High and their relationship grew while they both participated in the Kelso High School Choir program. He is blessed to call Erika LiaBraaten (formally Wirtz) his wife and they have 3 children all receiving their education in Kelso Public Schools.
Brent and his family currently reside in Kelso. He enjoys the outdoors and hopes to see you out in the woods or on the river! And he would always like you to remember, "Go Hilanders!"
Roylan Messinger | Director of Orchestras | roylan.messinger@kelsosd.org
To be updated in the fall.
George Larsen | HMS Band, Choir, & Orchestra Director | george.larsen@kelsosd.org
To be updated in the fall.