Edmonds School District

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!

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 7^th at 7pm in the Great Hall , a daytime performance at the DeMiero Jazz Festival Saturday March 4^th and our Music Gala March 25^th.

 

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.

 

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.

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."  

 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.

 

 

 

 

 

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.

 

 

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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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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!

 

 

 

 

 

You’re all invited to the 2014 Edmonds Jazz Connection on Saturday, May 24^th.  Come and hear some of the greatest jazz musicians in the state!

 For information about Jazz Connection 2014, follow the links:

   Jazz Connection - General info:

http://daybreakersrotary.clubexpress.com/content.aspx?page_id=22&club_id=361997&module_id=75219&actr=4&sl=269659804

   Jazz Connection schedule:

http://daybreakersrotary.clubexpress.com/content.aspx?page_id=22&club_id=361997&module_id=75585&actr=4

 

 

 

 

 

 

 Congratulations music teachers!  Edmonds School District has once again been named one of the “Best Communities for Music Education” by the NAMM Foundation!  This is our sixth year in a row, and eighth overall.  More information, and a link of all awarded schools and districts, are included in the links below.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Chamber Arts Awards
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Scott Barnes,Ron Keimer, Jamie Reece

 

	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.

 

 

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. 

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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:

Mill Creek Albertsons

James Village Albertsons

QFC - Mill Creek

Rite Aid -Lynnwood (33^rd Ave)
 

Grocery Outlet - Lynnwood

 

A huge thank you to all these students and congratulations for their tremendous impact on our community.

Bravo!

Amy Stevenson & Phil Onishi

 

 

 

 

 

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