2018 WIAA/WMEA STATE
Solo/Ensemble Contest
The WIAA/WMEA State Solo/Ensemble contest was held this past Friday and Saturday (4/27-4/28/2018) at CWU in Ellensburg. The following Edmonds School District music students placed in the top three statewide in their respected categories!
Micah Cortezzo -- EWHS, 3rd Place in Bassoon Solo
Anxhelo Zane -- LHS, 2nd Place in Guitar Solo
Eric Schultz -- EWHS, 2nd Place in Multiple Percussion Solo
Eric Schultz -- EWHS, 3rd Place in Timpani Solo
Shintaro Taneda -- 1st Place in Violin Solo
Congratulations to all the students who performed this year, and to the many music teachers who have worked with them throughout the years!
2018 Sno-King Music Educators Regional High School Solo/Ensemble Contest
On Saturday, February 3rd 2018, Lynnwood High School hosted the Sno-King Music Educators Regional HS Solo/Ensemble contest. Music directors Amy Stevenson, Phil Onishi and Kyra Rengstorf organized and ran the event which included about 1,600 student musicians from the region performing solos, or in small ensembles.
The Top three students in each solo and ensemble category qualify to participate in the State WIAA-WMEA Solo/Ensemble contest held at Central Washington University on April 28th-29th.
Edmonds School District was well represented, and the students listed below all rose to the top in their respected categories, placing 1st (Winner), 2nd (1st Alternate) or 3rd (2nd Alternate), respectively.
Congratulations to them all, and to their outstanding teachers!
Place |
Category |
Name |
School |
Director |
Winner |
Bassoon |
Micah Cortezzo |
Edmonds-Woodway HS |
Jake Bergevin |
Winner |
Brass Large |
EW Wind Symphony Brass Quintet |
Edmonds-Woodway HS |
Jake Bergevin |
Winner |
Brass Small |
EW Wind Symphony Trupmet Trio |
Edmonds-Woodway HS |
Jake Bergevin |
Winner |
Percussion Small |
EW Wind Symphony Trio |
Edmonds-Woodway HS |
Jake Bergevin |
First Alternate |
Oboe-English Horn |
Alexander Aaby |
Edmonds-Woodway HS |
Jake Bergevin |
First Alternate |
Tenor-Baritone Saxophone |
Hannah Rosenberg |
Edmonds-Woodway HS |
Jake Bergevin |
First Alternate |
Trombone |
Graham Everhartt |
Edmonds-Woodway HS |
Jake Bergevin |
First Alternate |
Mallets |
Eric Schultz |
Edmonds-Woodway HS |
Jake Bergevin |
First Alternate |
Timpani |
Eric Schultz |
Edmonds-Woodway HS |
Jake Bergevin |
First Alternate |
Multiple Percussion |
Eric Schultz |
Edmonds-Woodway HS |
Jake Bergevin |
First Alternate |
Woodwinds Large |
EW Wind Symphony Flute Sextet |
Edmonds-Woodway HS |
Jake Bergevin |
First Alternate |
Woodwinds Small |
EW Wind Symphony Sax Quartet |
Edmonds-Woodway HS |
Jake Bergevin |
First Alternate |
French Horn |
Nahum Cortezzo |
Edmonds-Woodway HS |
Jake Bergevin |
Second Alternate |
Violin |
Dana Wenzel |
Edmonds-Woodway HS |
Karen Helseth |
Second Alternate |
Soprano |
Tabitha Robins |
Edmonds-Woodway HS |
Charlotte Reese |
Second Alternate |
Piano |
Aaron Khouvong |
Edmonds-Woodway HS |
Karen Helseth |
Second Alternate |
Woodwinds Large |
EW Symphonic Sax Quintet |
Edmonds-Woodway HS |
Jake Bergevin |
Second Alternate |
Brass Small |
EW Low Brass Duet Gould/Machyo |
Edmonds-Woodway HS |
Jake Bergevin |
Second Alternate |
Strings Large |
EWHS Camerata |
Edmonds-Woodway HS |
Karen Helseth |
Winner |
Trumpet/Cornet |
Kai Decker |
Lynnwood HS |
Amy Stevenson |
Winner |
Violin |
Shintaro Taneda |
Lynnwood HS |
Amy Stevenson |
Winner |
Guitar |
Anxhelo Zane |
Lynnwood HS |
Amy Stevenson |
First Alternate |
Brass Small |
Lynnwood Kanudles |
Lynnwood HS |
Amy Stevenson |
Second Alternate |
Trumpet/Cornet |
Jennifer Stump |
Lynnwood HS |
Amy Stevenson |
Second Alternate |
Soprano |
Georgia Victor |
Meadowdale HS |
Jeff Horenstein |
First Alternate |
Flute-Piccolo |
Harper Thomas |
Mountlake Terrace HS |
Darin Faul |
First Alternate |
Soprano Alto Saxophone |
Reece Newhouse |
Mountlake Terrace HS |
Darin Faul |
First Alternate |
Tuba |
Ian Sjoholm |
Mountlake Terrace HS |
Darin Faul |
Second Alternate |
String Bass |
Andrew Vinther |
Mountlake Terrace HS |
Darin Faul |
High School Jazz Choirs!
The Edmonds-Woodway Mello-Aires and the Meadowdale HS Impressions joined for a collaboration of workshops starting with Greta Matassa in the Fall and another with Amanda Taylor Kunz in the Spring. They were preparing for the Columbia Basin College Jazz Festival which took place in April. The two schools traveled together first to Green River Community where they worked with Australian singer Michelle Nicolle and pianist Matt Falker.
At the Columbia Basing College Jazz Festival Meadowdale came in 2nd in division 2 and won best rhythm section! Edmonds-Woodway won division 2 and the Sweepstakes Award for best overall jazz choir out of all 25 groups! The following soloists were also recognized: Rodney Ocfemia, Tiia Freeman, Leah Kerr, Dana Salazar, Mikala Kim, Julia Kim, Dominic Nye and Hannah Song.
The two groups enjoyed working together and supporting one another. Congratulations on a very successful collaboration!!
SKMEA Regional Solo/Ensemble 2017
In February the High School SKMEA Regional Solo/Ensemble contest was held at Mariner High School. About 1,200 students were involved in the contest. The following students or ensembles placed in the top three in their respective categories. Those who placed first automatically qualify to compete in Ellensburg on April 28th and 29th. Alternates are also invited to compete at the state level on a space available basis.
These students are products of our K-12 Music program. Please congratulate them on this great accomplishment!
Category
|
Place
|
Name
|
School
|
Director
|
Bassoon
|
Winner
|
Micah Cortezzo
|
EWHS
|
Jake Bergevin
|
Timpani
|
Winner
|
Eric Schultz
|
EWHS
|
Jake Bergevin
|
Violin
|
Winner
|
Juliana Bushnell
|
EWHS
|
Karen Helseth
|
Cello
|
Winner
|
Andrew Kim
|
EWHS
|
Karen Helseth
|
Strings-Small
|
Winner
|
Schulhoff Duo
|
EWHS
|
Karen Helseth
|
Bassoon
|
1st Alt.
|
Savanna Nalamliang
|
EWHS
|
Jake Bergevin
|
Clarinet
|
1st Alt.
|
Rimmy Le
|
EWHS
|
Jake Bergevin
|
Woodwinds-Large
|
1st Alt.
|
EW Wind Quintet
|
EWHS
|
Jake Bergevin
|
Woodwinds-Small
|
1st Alt.
|
EW Wind Symphony Sax Quartet
|
EWHS
|
Jake Bergevin
|
Multiple Percussion
|
1st Alt.
|
Eric Schultz
|
EWHS
|
Jake Bergevin
|
Percussion-Small
|
1st Alt.
|
EW Marimba Duet
|
EWHS
|
Jake Bergevin
|
Violin
|
1st Alt.
|
Dana Wenzel
|
EWHS
|
Karen Helseth
|
Piano
|
1st Alt.
|
Edward Kim
|
EWHS
|
Jake Bergevin
|
Brass-Large
|
2nd Alt.
|
EW Brass Sextet
|
EWHS
|
Jake Bergevin
|
Percussion-Large
|
2nd Alt.
|
EW Wind Symphony Percussion
|
EWHS
|
Jake Bergevin
|
Strings-Large
|
2nd Alt.
|
EWHS Camerata
|
EWHS
|
Karen Helseth
|
Piano
|
2nd Alt.
|
Angela Yang
|
EWHS
|
Karen Helseth
|
Soprano
|
2nd Alt. (B)
|
Klara Adams
|
EWHS
|
Charlotte Reese
|
Guitar
|
Winner
|
Anxhelo Zane
|
LHS
|
Amy Stevenson
|
Viola
|
1st Alt.
|
Shintaro Taneda
|
LHS
|
Amy Stevenson
|
Woodwinds-Small
|
2nd Alt.
|
Tetraphone 2.0
|
LHS
|
Amy Stevenson
|
Violin
|
2nd Alt.
|
Shintaro Taneda
|
LHS
|
Amy Stevenson
|
Alto
|
Winner
|
Fay Mitchell
|
MDH
|
Jeff Horenstein
|
Bass
|
Winner
|
Brent Johnson
|
MDH
|
Jeff Horenstein
|
Trombone
|
1st Alt.
|
Chance Gompert
|
MDH
|
David Hawke
|
Brass-Small
|
1st Alt.
|
The Triangle Trio
|
MDH
|
David Hawke
|
Alto-Bass Clarinet
|
Winner
|
Gian Neri
|
MTHS
|
Darin Faul
|
Snare Drum
|
1st Alt.
|
Lila Guerrero
|
MTHS
|
Darin Faul
|
Scott Barnes
Manager of Visual and Performing Arts
Edmonds School District
Exciting Choir News from Ms. Reece at EWHS!
This last Friday Mello-Aires performed at and WON the Pacific Vocal Jazz Festival at Bellevue College. We were also recognized as outstanding rhythm section (Nebee, Cedar and Rodney- Rodney who sang tenor parts while playing bass), outstanding soloists (Dominic Nye) and a special judges award to recognize our outstanding lead soprano (Leah Kerr). H
ere’s a clip of our featured performance at the evening concert. Our upcoming performance include a Motown Themed Choir Quad Concert February 7th at 7pm in the Great Hall , a daytime performance at the DeMiero Jazz Festival Saturday March 4th and our Music Gala March 25th.
Give these Mello-Aires a high-five when next you see them! [Mikala Kim, Julia Kim, Klara Adams, Leah Kerr, Tiia Freeman, Emily Phan, Rachel Mostrales, Noal Leonetti, Zach Rothschiller, Dominic Nye, Josh Anderson, Carson Mock, Rodney Ocfemia, Nebee Yohannes & Cedar Lange] Unfortunately on Friday we were missing, Hannah Song, Jasmine Boerner & Dana Salazar.
All Northwest & All State Honors 2017
Congratulations to the following Edmonds School District students who have been selected to participate in All-NW or All-State Honor Ensembles this February in Bellevue!
Kyle Bainbridge |
Bari Sax |
NAfME All-NW Jazz Band |
EWHS |
Micah Cortezzo |
Bassoon |
NAfME All-NW Band |
EWHS |
Rimmy Le |
Clarinet |
NAfME All-NW Band |
EWHS |
Eric Schultz |
Percussion |
NAfME All-NW Band |
EWHS |
Alec Raring |
Tuba |
NAfME All-NW Orchestra |
MTHS |
Henry Smith-Hunt |
Trombone |
NAfME All-NW Jazz Band |
MTHS |
Chance Gompert |
Trombone |
NAfME All-NW Orchestra |
MDH |
Brent Johnson |
Bass 2 |
NAfME All-NW Mixed Choir |
MDH |
Shintaro Taneda |
Violin |
NAfME All-NW Orchestra |
LHS |
Savanna Nalamliang |
Bassoon |
WMEA All-State Concert Band |
EWHS |
Yukino Parle |
Clarinet |
WMEA All-State Concert Band |
EWHS |
Kaylee McGovern |
Flute |
WMEA All-State Sym. Orchestra |
MTHS |
Fynn O'Hea |
Trumpet |
WMEA All-State Concert Band |
MTHS |
Marie Kang |
Violin |
WMEA All-State Sym. Orchestra |
EWHS |
Andrew Kim |
Cello |
WMEA All-State Sym. Orchestra |
EWHS |
Dana Wenzel |
Violin |
WMEA All-State Sym. Orchestra |
EWHS |
WIAA/WMEA State Solo/Ensemble 2016
Congratulations to the following students who placed in the top three on their instruments at the WIAA/WMEA State Solo/Ensemble contest on Saturday!
Alec Sjoholm (Meadowdale HS) - Harp, 3rd Place
Atilla Kiss (Meadowdale HS) - String Bass, 1st Place
Shintaro Taneda (Lynnwood HS) - Violin, 2nd Place
Sno-King Solo/Ensemble
Congratulations to the following students, who placed in the top three of their respective categories at the Sno-King Solo/Ensemble contest held on February 6th at Meadowdale High School. All of these are eligible to compete at the State Solo/Ensemble contest, which is held in Ellensburg on April 29th and 30th. The "Winners" had an automatic bid to state, and the alternates are invited on a space available basis.
Not only do these students represent their High Schools and reflect the excellence of their HS Directors, they are also all products of our exceptional K-12 Edmonds music team. They represent the very best of musical accomplishment in our region!
Category |
Place |
Student |
School |
Flute-Piccolo |
Second Alternate |
Nicholas Hansen |
Edmonds-Woodway HS |
Clarinet |
Winner |
Rimmy Le |
Edmonds-Woodway HS |
Clarinet |
First Alternate |
Dimitrio Neri |
MtLake Terrace HS |
Clarinet |
Second Alternate |
Molly Taylor |
MtLake Terrace HS |
Soprano-Alto Saxophone |
First Alternate |
Juan Guitron |
Lynnwood HS |
Tenor-Baritone Saxophone |
Winner |
Brandt Fisher |
Edmonds-Woodway HS |
Woodwinds-Small |
Winner |
Wind Symph Sax Quartet |
Edmonds-Woodway HS |
Trumpet/Cornet |
Second Alternate |
Shelby Greif |
MtLake Terrace HS |
Trombone |
Winner |
Chance Gompert |
Meadowdale HS |
Brass-Small |
Winner |
MHS Brass Trio |
Meadowdale HS |
Brass-Small |
First Alternate |
Kanudles |
Lynnwood HS |
Percussion-Small |
Winner |
To the Max-Quartet |
Edmonds-Woodway HS |
Percussion-Small |
First Alternate |
Marimba Duet |
Edmonds-Woodway HS |
Violin |
Winner |
Shintaro Taneda |
Lynnwood HS |
Viola |
First Alternate |
Jonathan Mah |
Edmonds-Woodway HS |
Cello |
Second Alternate |
Andrew Kim |
Edmonds-Woodway HS |
String Bass |
Winner |
Atilla Kiss |
Meadowdale HS |
String Bass |
First Alternate |
Mason Fagan |
Edmonds-Woodway HS |
Strings-Large |
Second Alternate |
Bloch Fugue |
Edmonds-Woodway HS |
Strings-Small |
First Alternate |
Rossini Duet |
Edmonds-Woodway HS |
Alto |
Second Alternate |
Moriah Lund |
Meadowdale HS |
Bass |
First Alternate |
Brent Johnson |
Meadowdale HS |
Women's Vocal-Large |
Winner |
Women's Vocal Ensemble |
Meadowdale HS |
Men's Vocal-Large |
Winner |
Men's Vocal Ensemble |
Meadowdale HS |
Piano |
Winner |
Angela Yang |
Edmonds-Woodway HS |
Piano |
Second Alternate |
Alec Sjoholm |
Meadowdale HS |
Harp |
Winner |
Alec Sjoholm |
Meadowdale HS |
|
|
|
|
Local High School String Quartet to Join Touring Beatles Musical
EDMONDS, WA (09/04/2015) When the touring show "In My Life - A Musical Theatre Tribute to the Beatles" returns to the Edmonds Center for the Arts on October 22, be on the lookout for two quartets -- not just one. The Edmonds-Woodway High School String Quartet have the privilege of joining the professional actors on stage to add an element of orchestral texture to the evening.
Here's the rundown:
The show: "In My Life" is the musical retelling of the Beatles story through the eyes of manager Brian Epstein and featuring the live music of renowned tribute band Abbey Road. The band features Chris Paul Overall ("Paul"), Nathaniel Bott ("John"), Zak Schaffer ("George") and Axel Clarke ("Ringo"). Brian Epstein is played by Murphy Martin. The production includes multimedia, period costumes and vintage instruments. It has toured for years, with a critic for the Orange County Register at one point declaring, "If you see one tribute show, see this one --smart and loads of fun." The show is widely considered by industry insiders to be the most unique Beatles show in decades. "In My Life" played to a capacity audience in 2013 at the Edmonds Center for the Arts.
The string quartet: Edmonds-Woodway High School students Dane Johnson, Helen Nguyen, Jonathan Mah and Andrew Kim will join the band for the songs "Eleanor Rigby," "Yesterday," "A Day in the Life," "Hello Goodbye," and "Hey Jude." In a special touch, "Yesterday" is played as a scene in which the Paul McCartney character plays the song for the first time for Beatles producer George Martin, with the songwriter explaining that he envisioned a string-quartet accompaniment.
In addition to playing with their school's most advanced orchestra, the chamber orchestra, quartet members perform with prestigious area orchestras such as the Cascade Youth Symphony Orchestra, the All-State Honors Orchestra and the All-Northwest Honors Orchestra. All four members performed with a quartet which received a "superior" rating at Washington's Music Educators Association Regional Solo and Ensemble Competition last year, although Nguyen was in a different ensemble. Mah also placed third in the state as a soloist at the Solo and Ensemble contest last year. In addition, Kim will be performing a solo at Benaroya Hall with the Cascade Youth Symphony Orchestra this November.
EWHS Music Department's other achievements: Edmonds-Woodway High School offers a comprehensive program of music education that is dedicated to achieving high standards and promoting life-long learning and musical growth. Course offerings include three string orchestras, three concert bands, three jazz bands, concert choir, jazz choir, IB Music, History of Rock 'n' Roll, and beginning guitar. The students in the quartet are leaders in the advanced Chamber Orchestra, which rehearses after school every day and has earned recognition at a variety of festivals and events throughout the region.
String quartet for hire: The quartet performs at weddings and other events. Those interested in hiring the quartet may contact Dane Johnson at gtjohn3@gmail.com.
How the "Beatles" connection was started: The producers of "In My Life" approached Edmonds-Woodway High School's Orchestra Director Karen Helseth looking for a talented ensemble which could hold their own with a rock band in front of an audience. The show commonly uses a local quartet to augment the production while on tour. The show hired a EWHS string quartet in 2013 to accompany when the production performed at the Edmonds Center for the Arts.
The quartet's Beatles fans: Mah, Johnson and Nguyen are the quartet's Beatles fans. Mah, who performed with an EWHS quartet with the "In My Life" show when it was touring Washington in 2013, was not a Beatles fan at the time. "I watched the show from the theatre's wings and gained an appreciation of the Beatles' story," he said. "I became a Beatles fan."
While in middle school, Johnson discovered his father's Beatles album collection. "I've been a Beatles fan ever since," he said. His favorite Fab Four song is "Maxwell's Silver Hammer."
Nguyen is a Beatles fan and her favorite song is "Yesterday." "I'm excited we get to perform this song with the Beatles show," she said.
The details: In My Life - A Musical Theatre Tribute to the Beatles is the nationally touring, award-winning retelling of the Beatles story through the eyes of manager Brian Epstein and featuring the live music of renowned tribute Abbey Road. The musical is considered by industry insiders to be the most unique Beatles show in decades. The smash hit production performs at the Edmonds Center for the Arts on Thursday, October 22 at 7:30 pm. Tickets are $35/$45/$55 and may be purchased online at www.edmondscenterforthearts.org by phone at 425.275.9595, by email to boxoffice@ec4arts.org or at the theatre box office. The Edmonds Center for the Arts is located at 410 Fourth Avenue North in Edmonds, WA 98020. The show is appropriate for all ages.
And here is some additional information about the string quartet:
Dane Johnson, 17, has been playing the violin for ten years. He also plays piano and bass guitar. He is a member the EWHS Chamber Orchestra and received a superior rating as a quartet finalist with Mah and Kim at the Washington Music Educators Association Solo and Ensemble Competition. "I enjoy playing with the chamber orchestra," said the senior. "We are like a huge family and we make great music together."
Johnson has been a member of the EWHS Wrestling team since his freshman year.
While in middle school, he discovered his father's Beatles album collection. "I've been a Beatles fan ever since," he said. His favorite Fab Four song is "Maxwell's Silver Hammer."
Helen Nguyen, 15, has been playing the violin for seven years. Her father, Hai Nguyen, is a professional viola player and performs with the Cascade Symphony Orchestra and the Pacifica Chamber Orchestra. In addition to performing with her school's chamber and symphonic orchestras, Nguyen also advanced to the region's Solo and Ensemble finals with a quartet last year. She was a member of an all city honors orchestra. The sophomore aspires to attend a university after high school and one day practice medicine.
She is a Beatles fan and her favorite song is "Yesterday." "I'm excited we get to perform this song with the Beatles show," she said.
Jonathan Mah, 17, started as a violinist nine years ago, but switched to viola in middle school. "I like the viola more because it has a wider range of color and tone than the violin," he said. "The viola can reach most of the same high notes as the violin - it's just harder."
Mah, who performed with a EWHS quartet when the "In My Life" played at the Edmonds Center in 2013, was not a Beatles fan at the time. "I watched the show from the theatre's wings and gained an appreciation of the Beatles' story," he said. "I became a Beatles fan.
Mah has competed in Solo and Ensemble Competitions for the past three years and last year placed third in the state as a soloist. He also played with a quartet with Kim and Johnson which received a "superior" rating at the regional competition. He was a member of the Cascade Youth Symphony Orchestra and performed with the All-Northwest Honors last year with Kim.
The senior hopes to attend Georgia Tech or the University of Washington next fall and study biomedical engineering. He aspires to pursue a career in orthopedic design and research.
Andrew Kim, 16, has been playing the cello for seven years. "The cello can be so expressive," he said. He is a member of his school's chamber orchestra and the Cascade Youth Symphony Orchestra. He has participated in All-State honor groups for the past four years and with the All-Northwest Honors Orchestra last year. In addition, Kim will be performing a solo at Benaroya Hall with the Cascade Youth Symphony Orchestra this November. "I enjoy playing with orchestras and connecting with other musicians," said Kim. "It's challenging to find the intricacies in the music."
Kim is also a member of his school's chess team. The junior plans to major in chemical engineering in college with a minor in music.
And here is some additional information about EWHS Orchestra Director Karen Helseth:
Karen Helseth is the Orchestra Director at Edmonds-Woodway High School, where she also teaches IB Music, History of Rock 'n' Roll, and Guitar. Born and raised in Seattle, she received her undergraduate degree in cello performance from University of Washington, and holds a Masters degree in Music Education from University of Massachusetts. Mrs. Helseth is currently Vice President of the Washington Music Educators association, and is also a member of the American String Teachers Association. She resides in Seattle with her husband and two dogs, and in her spare time she enjoys bicycling, and rock climbing.
And here is some additional information about "In My Life":
"In My Life: A Musical Theatre Tribute to the Beatles" is the award winning, smash hit musical biography of the Beatles as seen through the eyes of their manager Brian Epstein and featuring the live music of renowned tribute band Abbey Road. This family friendly musical tale is widely considered by industry insiders to be the most unique Beatles show in decades.
“The show delivers!” said the L.A. Times. “If you see one tribute show, see this one – smart and loads of fun,” said the O.C. Register. “This is the ticket for you,” said the Idaho Statesman. “The most original of all the shows on the Beatles,” San Diego Theatre Review.
More than just a Beatles tribute concert, "In My Life" gives the audience a chance to “be there” at pivotal moments in the extraordinary career of the Beatles - from Liverpool’s legendary Cavern Club, to the Ed Sullivan Show, Shea Stadium’s 50,000 + screaming fans and their final live performance on the rooftop of their Apple Corp offices. With manager Brian Epstein serving as Narrator, "In My Life" allows the audience to get a glimpse inside the world of the Beatles from their point of view, as well as hear some of the greatest songs ever written.
"In My Life" takes the audience back to February 1964, when Americans saw the Beatles for the first time on the Ed Sullivan Show, playing I Want to Hold Your Hand. Progressing through their various musical stages, the audience re-experiences the psychedelic era of Sgt. Pepper’s Lonely Hearts Club Band, the creation of the haunting Yesterday and the raucous rock and roll of Revolution.
Outstanding Madrona Middle School Student Selected to Perform at Carnegie Hall
Adrian Smith, an 8th Grade student at Madrona K-8, has been selected for the 2015 Middle School Honors Performance Series at Carnegie Hall. He will perform as a Cellist at Carnegie Hall in June 2015 with the Honors Junior Orchestra. Participation in one of the three Honors Ensembles is limited to the highest rated middle school performers from across North America and select schools internationally.
Adrian Smith auditioned this fall for the Honors Performance Series and was accepted after a review by the Honors Selection Board. Acceptance to the elite group is direct result of the talent, dedication, and achievements demonstrated in his application and audition recording. Adrian Smith will join other performers from 49 United States, several provinces in Canada, and several foreign countries for a special performance at world-famous Carnegie Hall, a venue that marks the pinnacle of musical achievement.
According to Nancy Richardson, Program Director, "Being selected to the Honors Performance Series is something each Junior Finalist should be extremely proud of accomplishing. We process thousands of nominations annually, selecting only the most talented performers. Working with these conductors and performing at Carnegie Hall; a once-in-a-lifetime experience that these student musicians never forget".
Adrian Smith was introduced to Madrona's Orchestra opportunity and the Cello in 4th grade by Madrona's Orchestra Director, Vickie Nelson. A few months later he began working with his current private teacher, Erin Adams. In 6th Grade Adrian joined Cascade Youth Symphony Orchestras and has moved up each year and currently plays with Cascade's Junior Orchestra.
Honors Performance Junior Finalists will come together for five days in June 2015 in New York City to have the opportunity to learn from Charles Peltz, work with other Junior Finalists and get a taste of New York City. The Sunday, June 27th performance is open to the public. Tickets can be purchased beginning 60 days prior to the performance through the Carnegie Hall box office.
The Honors Performance Series was created to showcase accomplished individual High School and Middle school performers on an international level by allowing them to study under master conductors and perform in the celebrated venue, Carnegie Hall. The Honors Performance Series is proudly presented by WorldStrides, the nations's leading educational travel organization. Learn more by visiting www.honorsperformance.org and www.worldstrides.com.
******
SKMEA Regional Solo/Ensemble Contest
Congratulations to the following musicians, and musical ensembles that participated in the SKMEA Regional Solo/Ensemble contest on Saturday 2/7/15 and finished in the top three in their respective categories! Regional winners will compete in the State Solo/Ensemble contest in Ellensburg, April 24th and 25th. Alternates will also have the opportunity to compete at State if room allows.
These students are outstanding examples of the quality K-12 music education that is a source of pride in the Edmonds School District. If you know them, please offer your congratulations to them, and their directors for a job well done.
CATEGORY |
RESULTS |
ENTRY NAME |
SCHOOL |
Tenor-Baritone Saxophone |
Winner |
Kevin Long |
EWHS |
Euphonium/Baritone Horn |
Winner |
Olivia Morse |
EWHS |
Brass-Large |
Winner |
Trumpet Choir |
EWHS |
Snare Drum |
Winner |
Miriel McFarland |
EWHS |
Percussion-Small |
Winner |
Wind Symphony Percussion Quartet |
EWHS |
Alto |
Winner |
Megan Hall |
MDHS |
Harp |
Winner |
Alec Sjoholm |
MDHS |
Soprano |
Winner |
Mikaela Jones |
MDHS |
Woodwinds-Large |
First Alternate |
Wind Symphony Clarinet Choir |
EWHS |
Trumpet/Cornet |
First Alternate |
Jackson Kettel |
EWHS |
Brass-Small |
First Alternate |
Wind Symphony Trombone Duet (McDonald/Abel) |
EWHS |
Timpani |
First Alternate |
Eric Schultz |
EWHS |
Percussion-Small |
First Alternate |
Timpani Duet |
EWHS |
Viola |
First Alternate |
Jonathan Mah |
EWHS |
String Bass |
First Alternate |
Mason Fagan |
EWHS |
Strings-Large |
First Alternate |
EWHS Borodin Chamber Orchestra |
EWHS |
Clarinet |
First Alternate |
Owen Durst |
LHS |
Soprano-Alto Saxophone |
First Alternate |
Tyler Little |
LHS |
Guitar |
First Alternate |
Derrik Olsen |
LHS |
Snare Drum |
First Alternate |
Ryan Leppich |
MTHS |
Percussion-Large |
First Alternate |
MTHS Percussion Ensemble |
MTHS |
Clarinet |
Second Alternate |
Kyle Bainbridge |
EWHS |
Soprano-Alto Saxophone |
Second Alternate |
Brandt Fisher |
EWHS |
Brass-Large |
Second Alternate |
Wind Symphony Brass Quintet |
EWHS |
Cello |
Second Alternate |
Andrew Kim |
EWHS |
Strings-Small |
Second Alternate |
Stretto String Quartet |
EWHS |
Violin |
Second Alternate |
Evan Wu |
LHS |
String Bass |
Second Alternate |
Stephen Gaub |
LHS |
Mallets |
Second Alternate |
Ryan Leppich |
MTHS |
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The NW Quad Choir concert on Tuesday 2/10/15 time has been changed to 5:45pm, due to a conflict in scheduling. Location is still at Meadowdale High School. We apologize for the inconvenience.
From Edmonds Public Schools & Alumni Foundation:
Darin Faul ‘Celebrate Teachers’ Contest Winner!

Congratulations to Darin Faul on winning the “Celebrate Teachers” $500 gift card through the Alderwood Mall! Darin has been the Band Director at Mountlake Terrace High School (MTHS) since 1998. Besides strong participation in his bands, the quality of his teaching is evident in the skills of his students! Darin is a native of Tacoma and attended Pacific Lutheran University for two years before traveling to Vienna, Austria, where he studied at the Institute for European Studies and the prestigious Vienna Music Academy. He graduated with honors from the University of Washington and holds a Bachelor of Arts in Music and a Bachelor of Music Education. He also has a Master’s Degree (MA) in Curriculum and Instruction.
The Foundation and Alderwood Mall are excited to celebrate teachers like Darin who work hard to help our students achieve their educational dreams!
Edmonds Jazz Connection 2014!
Sixth Year in a Row!
You all use music to changes lives every day, making Edmonds a wonderful place to live and work!
Thank you, and congratulations!
Scott Barnes,
Manager of Visual and Performing Arts, Edmonds School District#15
President-Elect, Washington Music Educators Association
Community leaders were honored for their work inthe arts when the Chamber Arts & Culture Committee presented the ChamberArts Awards at a reception at the Edmonds Conference Center last Thursday. Theseven recipients shared a clear and compelling passion for the arts - beinginvolved with the arts is important to all of them, whether as a volunteer,business, or a philanthropist. This impressive group of awardees was selectedfrom the multiple nominations in each category submitted by the public to theChamber. Awards were made in four categories: volunteer, businessleadership, leadership, and creative collaboration.
CREATIVE COLLABORATION - Identifyingthe importance of partnerships and collaborations in creating successfulprograms and events. Partners work together to support the arts andculture in Edmonds, creating greater visibility, broadening interest, andsetting an example for future collaborations.

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Scott Barnes,Ron Keimer, Jamie Reece
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The Edmonds Jazz Connection isone of those 'great ideas' that became a reality and the three recipients ofthis award all spoke enthusiastically about their particular passion forhighlighting the incredible musical talents of our local youth. Thiscollaboration exemplifies how partners working together can create broadervisibility for the arts in Edmonds and foster interest in music among the generalpublic while supporting music education. A free and accessible event, theEdmonds Jazz Connection provides public recognition and performanceopportunities for hundreds of students each year. The students are connectedwith professional musicians for clinics and performances, showcasing thetalents of young musicians and their band directors. The free Memorial Dayweekend event brings thousands of people to downtown Edmonds to celebrate themusical accomplishments of students in our region.
The Edmonds Daybreakers Rotaryinitiated the program 14 years ago, with the goal of letting the public knowwhat incredible young musicians we have in this region. Working closelywith the Edmonds School District and a variety of partners and volunteers overthe years (regional music directors, Edmonds Community College and ConferenceCenter, Edmonds Theater, Edmonds Masonic Hall, ECA and more) the Edmonds JazzConnection has resulted in attracting new visitors to Edmonds, and has providedongoing regional exposure. This creative collaboration has become a keyarts event in Edmonds. Scott Barnes, Visual & Performing ArtsManager, accepted the award on behalf of Edmonds School District. JamieReece, President of the Rotary Club of Edmonds Daybreakers accepted the awardon behalf of his organization. A third award was given to Ron Keimerwho told the story of how the Essentially Ellington jazz competition firststarted to include the west coast and since then our young northwest jazzmusicians have been making a name for the Seattle area back east. Thereare many individuals and organizations who contributed to Jazz Connection -but, without the leadership, drive and enthusiasm of Ron Keimer it might neverhave happened. Ron recognized the quality of musicianship in our schoolprograms and he helped create this event to showcase and encourage theirtalent. He has worked tirelessly to make sure that every year is a success. Hiscaring nature, and driving energy are an inspiration to many, and hisinvolvement has made the Edmonds Arts scene richer.
Start thinking now aboutnominations for the 2015 awards. Who areyour arts heroes? Plan to nominate them next fall!
The Chamber Arts Awards are anannual event organized by the Chamber Arts & Culture Committee. TheCommittee is chaired by Jack Loos and currently includes representatives fromEdmonds Community College ArtsNow, Edmonds Arts Commission, City of Edmonds,Driftwood Players, Cascade Symphony, Edmonds Center for the Arts, Port ofEdmonds, and other community members engaged in the arts, and is staffed by theChamber. For more information contact Valerie Claypool membership@edmondswa.com

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Turtle Island Quartet at Edmonds-Woodway High School
On Friday, January 17th, Grammy award-winning Turtle Island Quartet will lead a workshop called “It’s About Time” with students at Edmonds-Woodway High School. Working with the school’s chamber orchestra, members of the quartet will engage students in the classic blues piece “Stolen Moments,” adapted to a string orchestra format. This in-school workshop will precede Turtle Island Quartet’s evening performance with singer-songwriter Nellie McKay at ECA. For more information about the public performance contact the ECA box office at425.275.9595.
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Celebrate Lynnwood HS Tri-M Students!
Last Wednesday, the non-student day before Thanksgiving, the Lynnwood High School TriM club organized its second annual food drive. TriM stands for “Modern Music Masters,” and is essentially a music honor society. 112 Volunteers gave over 450 hours of their time soliciting donations from the community in front of 8 local grocery and drug stores. It was an overwhelming success. We collected 7,735 food items and $3,343 to benefit the Lynnwood Food Bank. Combined, this will equate to 14,421 cans for LHS’s PPP total.
Additionally we collected, 1576 diapers, 450 rolls of toilet paper, 280 additional personal care items (shampoo, deodorant, toothpaste/brushes, razors, paper towels, soap, baby wipes…. etc.), which we will pass on to Mrs. Malowney’s capable hands, for the Adopt-a-Family event this month. Our members and their families are still bringing in items, so we expect this grand total to continue to tick a bit higher for the next couple of days.
Please congratulate all of the students. They were amazing in their generous, exceptional attitudes, the insane amount of work they accomplished (it’s a lot of work to collect, load, unload, sort and count this much food!) and professional and positive demeanor in representing Lynnwood HS in the community.
We want to specifically recognize the students who have worked over the last 8 weeks to plan and prepare this event, as members of the TriM Food Drive Committee.
We reached out to 20 stores to coordinate this. Without the support of the following stores, this event would not have been as successful. If you have the opportunity, please thank:
Rite Aid – Mill Creek
Rite Aid -Lynnwood (33rd Ave)
Grocery Outlet - Lynnwood
Trader Joes – Lynnwood
Fred Meyers- Lynnwood (164th Street)
A huge thank you to all these students and congratulations for their tremendous impact on our community.
Bravo!
Amy Stevenson & Phil Onishi
WMEA All-State Selectees
Outstanding music students from across Washington have received top honors by being selected to participate in one of our 2014 WMEA All-State performing groups. The students listed below will join other outstanding high school student musicians in this gala event.
WMEA All-State high school bands, orchestras and choirs will meet in Yakima February 12--16. The finest high school musicians from our state will rehearse and perform in concert under the direction of world-renowned conductors. These WMEA All-State musicians were selected through auditions to participate in this outstanding event, which is sponsored by the Washington Music Educators Association.
Many professional musicians credit their All-State experience as crucial in their decision to choose music as a career. Thousands of others whose career paths took them in other directions have great memories of participating in this inspiring and motivating musical experience and claim that it was a life-changing experience for them.
Well-known Washingtonians who have participated in past years’ WMEA All-State groups include The Seattle Post-Intelligencer’s Pulitzer Prize-winning editorial cartoonist and columnist David Horsey, 2008 National Teacher of the Year Andrea Peterson, and jazz saxophonist Kenny G.
STUDENTS SELECTED
EDMONDS-WOODWAY HS
Kyle Brooks – (clarinet) All-State Concert Band
Naomi Kim – (oboe) All-State Concert Band
Alfred Yi – (bassoon) All-State Concert Band
Cole Conefrey – (trumpet) All-State Concert Band
Nathan Filosi – (clarinet) All-State Wind Ensemble
Emma Howeiler – (piano) All-State Jazz Choir
Jonathan Mah (viola) All-State Chamber Orchestra
Elliot Harrison (violin) All-State Symphony Orchestra
Andrew Kim (cello) All-State Symphony Orchestra
Sarah Freyd (Soprano 1) All-State Jazz Choir
Jack White (Bass 1) All-State Jazz Choir
Katherine Barrett (Alto 2) All-State Treble Choir
LYNNWOOD HS
Charles "Kaleb" Decker - (trumpet) All-State Concert Band
Tyler Little - (Alto Sax) All-State Jazz Band
Durst Owen - (Clarinet) All-State Wind Ensemble
MEADOWDALE HS
Spencer Rice - (Trumpet) All-State Concert Band
Ori Levari - (Piano) All-State Jazz Band
Ryan Petriello - (Bass) All-State Jazz Choir
Katie Tussing - (Soprano 2) All-State Treble Choir
MOUNTLAKE TERRACE HS
Andrew Cram - (Trumpet) All-State Concert Band
Chris Ryder - (Alto Sax) All-State Jazz Band
Henry Sparks - (Trombone) All-State Jazz Band
Seth McAlister - (Trombone) All-State Symphony Orchestra
Elementary Instrumental Music 
Program
General Information 2013
The Instrumental Music Program is offered at all elementary schools in the Edmonds School District beginning in fifth grade. Classes meet twice a week for 45 minutes during the school day and are scheduled to minimize disruptions to the regular classroom.
Our curriculum is designed to provide students a two year skill-building experience from beginning through intermediate levels of performance on wind and string instruments. Participating students enjoy the personal and group satisfaction that playing an instrument brings and also benefit academically from the discipline and coginitive thinking skills developed through the arts.
Music is a vital part of a complete education. We hope you consider enrolling your student in the Edmonds Instrumental Music Program.
Requirements:
- Fifth grade students participate in first year (beginning) instrumental music
- Sixth grade students participate in second year instrumental music
- Students select only one instrument
- A year-long commitment is required from students participating in either first or second year music. Like anthing else, success in music requires time and attention.
*Any exceptions require approval by the instrumental music teacher and /or the building administrator.
For more information contact your school.
*****
May 2013
From our Essentially Ellinton Correspondent: 'That was a blast!' Says Honored Clarinet Player
By Bruce Laven
Bruce Laven, a band teacher at Meadowdale Middle School for 20 years, traveled with the Edmonds-Woodway High School Jazz Band to the Essentially Ellington Jazz Festival in New York City.
After listening to seven other jazz bands from all over the country, Edmonds-Woodway High School band members cheered on their local friends from Roosevelt High School. Perhaps that support helped the swingin’ Rough Riders finish in third place behind the Jazz House Kids from Montclair, N.J. and the winning band from the Tucson Jazz Institute of Arizona.
The EWHS woodwinds were honored with the Outstanding Clarinet Section award for the festival, and Outstanding Clarinetist Kyle Brooks. After his award-winning performance Saturday, Brooks said, beaming with pride and joy, “That was a blast!”
Brooks and his band mates have reason to be proud; they were part of a celebration of select young musicians who worked hard to perfect their craft and perform some of the most challenging music at the highest level.
On Monday, they finish with some sight-seeing in New York City and head home with fond memories of perhaps a life-changing event.
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Congratulations......Again!!!
For the fourth year in a row the Edmonds School District#15was selected by the NAMM Foundation as one of the "Best Communities for Music Education"in the nation. This is thesixth time in the award'seleven year history that the Edmonds School District has earned this honor. This is due to ongoing support and commitment of our entire community, as well as the exceptional teaching and hard work of our music staff. Congratulations!
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Mountlake Terrace High Jazz EnsembleI selected for prestigious Essentially Ellington Jazz Festival 2011!
MTHS' top jazz ensemble was selected as one of just 15 high school jazz bands in North America to participate in this year's Essentially Ellington festival, which takes place in May in New York City's Jazz at Lincoln Center. As a finalist, MTHS will receive an in-school workshop led by aprofessional musician before arriving in New York.Once arriving at Essentially Ellington, they will perform before Wynton Marsalis and a panel of esteemed judges. The competition will also include workshops with renowned clinicians and musicians. The only other ensemble chosen from this area is Roosevelt High School.Other bands in the competition will travel from California, Connecticut,Florida, Illinois, Iowa, Massachusetts, Texas, Wisconsin, and Canada.More information is available on theJazz at Lincoln Center website. Congratulations to these students for their accomplishments!
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Meadowdale Choir Teacher Carries a Tune to National TV
When Jeff Horenstein started a singing group with two friends, he hardly imagined he would be on national TV.
The Meadowdale High School choir teacher is set to appear on NBC's “The Sing-Off,” a show featuring 10 singing groups from all over the country competing for a Sony Music recording contract and $100,000.
Horenstein, 31, of Everett, started his a cappella group,Groove For Thought, 10 years ago. Groove for Thought now features seven singers, all from Western Washington, who have performed at festivals all over the United States and Europe.
Horenstein and his group watched the first season of “The Sing-Off” and decided to apply to be on the show. They auditioned in Los Angeles last spring, among lots of other groups, and were among the 10 selected.
Horenstein said group members have performed so much that they aren't really nervous about going on the show.
“We'll see what comes of it,” he said. “We are looking forward to introducing our music to a bigger audience.”
Groove for Thought won the National Harmony Sweepstakes Championship, a major national a cappella competition, in 2005 and the Contemporary A Cappella Recording Award for Best Jazz Song in 2006.
Music always has been Horenstein's passion. Originally from Vancouver, Wash., he's been a singer in choirs since he was 5 and all throughout school. In second grade, he performed in a local show choir (white pants and a red bow tie were involved).
His parents encouraged his love for music. His dad was a sax player in school, mom a fourth-grade teacher.
Horenstein got his bachelor's and master's degrees at Central Washington University. This is his fifth year teaching in the Edmonds School District.
“The Sing-Off” premieres at 8 p.m. Dec. 6 and continues on Dec. 8, 13 and 15. Groups are eliminated until there's a winner. The live finale is scheduled for Dec. 20.
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Congratulations!
The Edmonds School District was selected as one of the "Best Communities for Music Education"for 2010 by the NAMM Foundation! This is thefourth time in the awardseleven year history that the Edmonds School District has earned this honor and the second year in a row. This is due to ongoing support and commitment of our entire community, as well as the exceptional teaching and hard work of our music staff. Congratulations!
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