Video: Chamber Winds and Symphonic Band Perform at SnoKing Band Festival

Video: Chamber Winds and Symphonic Band Perform at SnoKing Band Festival

On March 21, 2024, our Chamber Winds and Symphonic Band performed at the annual SnoKing (SKMEA) Band Festival. This year it was held at Kamiak High School. Watch our Chamber Winds perform Kivgik (Messenger), Partita for Band, and Illumination. https://youtu.be/YjGX6voFQlE?si=fHvfavLazJOUf4Vi Watch our Symphonic Band perform Congolese, Celtic Voyage, and Fanfare for Justice. https://youtu.be/qVhD8ATC-Ms?si=FV1H5lpG3NPAv-nn
Mountlake Terrace High School Jazz Band wins back-to-back top honors at the Newport Jazz Festival

Mountlake Terrace High School Jazz Band wins back-to-back top honors at the Newport Jazz Festival

For the second year in a row, the Mountlake Terrace High School’s Jazz Ensemble 1 (Jazz 1) took home top honors at the Newport Jazz Festival at Newport High School in Bellevue.  Last Saturday, Jazz 1 won the 3A Division and the festival’s Sweepstakes Award, recognized as the festival’s best jazz ensemble. Jazz 1 competed on Saturday evening in the finals along with Bothell High School, Interlake High School, Glacier Peak High School, and Shorewood High School. Mountlake Terrace High School High School Symphonic “Jazz” also participated Saturday morning against a strong group of competitors in the 2A Division. “I...
2024 Summer Music Camps Around Puget Sound and Beyond

2024 Summer Music Camps Around Puget Sound and Beyond

The summer will be here before we know it and no one wants to be sitting around. No matter what instrument you play, there are music camps available to you! Here is a list, though not comprehensive, for you to consider this summer. You’ll need to click the link to see prices, specific dates, and other information regarding requirements.  Are we missing a camp targeted for at least a high school age musician? Let us know and we’ll add it.  Edmonds School District Summer Music School June 27 - July 19 Location: Mountlake Terrace High School https://www.edmonds.wednet.edu/programs-services/art-music-theater/music-dept/summer-music-school Cascade Youth Symphony...
Save The Music. Mountlake Terrace High School.

Learning To Advocate For Music

Mountlake Terrace High School music parents rally in support of music in April 2023. When my son was struggling in 1st grade, a friend of mine who is also an elementary school teacher told me, “Advocate for your child because no one else will”. That statement was impactful because it helped me better embrace the ownership I have in my child’s education. Understanding our public education system and state funding is a lot of work. It’s complex and ever changing, just like the needs of our students. I realized that if I want something for my child, I need to...
What Happens If We Cut 5th & 6th Grade Band & Orchestra Classes? 

What Happens If We Cut 5th & 6th Grade Band & Orchestra Classes? 

Students and parents show their support for band and orchestra at Terrace Park Elementary I attended the Edmonds School Board Special meeting on Tuesday evening, March 19th. The primary goal of this special meeting was to review the results of the recent Balancing Act survey conducted between March 7th and 18th. Keep an eye out for the full results on the District's '24-'25 Budget page, available Thursday, March 21st.  I started attending school board meetings last year, when my student was a sophomore in high school. It was the threat to our music and performing arts programs that got me...
Save The Music. Band Builds Community.

Why I’m Involved in MTHS “Save the Music”

In that moment my vision became clear: music education should be considered a fundamental academic subject in school. Yet, in the state of Washington, budget cuts in recent years have threatened the presence of music education and performing arts in our public schools. Programs that were once nationally and internationally recognized, educators who are award-winning masters of teaching and promoting excellence are being deprioritized. Music seems to no longer be recognized as a major contributor to student achievement and overall school success, even though we hear story after story of how music saves lives, brings kids to school and drives up graduation rates. 
Spring Flower Fundraiser for Music

Spring Flower Fundraiser for Music

We are kicking off a fantastic, yet short, spring flower fundraiser to raise funds for the band and orchestra program and musicians! They make great Mother's Day gifts (May 12th)! These wonderful spring baskets are from the same supplies as the poinsettia fundraiser. Four Options (choose one or all) 4" Geranium (10 per flat) - $35/flat - options include all red or mix flat 4" Premium Annuals-Mixed Plants (10 per flat) - $35/flat - includes 2 Geraniums, 2 Callie, 2 Petunia, 2 Accents, and 2 Bacopa 12" Mixed Basket - $40 14" Lynden Basket (this basket WILL double in size):...
Save The Music. Students at Mountlake Terrace High School protest proposed cuts to the music program.

Save The Music 2024 – Where Are We Today?

We fought last year. Hard. Despite our efforts, Mountlake Terrace High School lost Choir, one of two drama classes, our Percussion Ensemble and our Jazz 2 ensemble. Additionally, our Music Director has had to split his time teaching at both elementary school and the high school.  Needless to say, the cuts were impactful and defeating. We had an impassioned and impressive response from our parents, students and community that was beyond inspiring. But by the time we got involved, decisions to cut performing arts programs had already been made.  That experience and inspiration has kept me going. Over the past...
Save The Music: Your Voice is needed by March 18th!

Save The Music: Your Voice is needed by March 18th!

Remember last year when we learned of the budget cuts after they happened? This year we are again facing a budget shortfall and music programs are on the chopping block. The Edmonds School District has created an educational exercise to illustrate the '24-'25 school year shortfall, called the Balancing Act. The elimination of 5th and 6th grade band and orchestra are being considered. The elimination of these classes throughout the district WILL have huge consequences for years to music in middle and high schools. The Balancing Act mistakenly says that band and orchestra are in addition to (required) general music....