Many thanks to the following students who participated in the Veteran’s Day program November 12th, when we honored the veterans of all the armed services. The posting of the Color Guard by fifth graders Helen S., Helen K., Madeline S.-M., Fulan L., Maddy A., Jana E., Helen S. and Hannah H. set the tone for the afternoon’s assembly.

Fifth Grade Speakers
Taylor D., Sam N. and Porter J. for the introductions.

Speakers
Thank you to the fourth grade teachers: Mrs. Towler, Mrs. Day, Mrs. Powers, Ms Handy for the slide show and their student speakers Kayla F., Ryan D., Millie D., Amelia R., Mia C., Serena T. and Aisling D. W. Honored Guest was Capt. David R. Voyles, who spoke so eloquently about what it means to be a Veteran. Special thanks to Trudy Springer for arranging for Capt. Voyles to be our special guest.

Bryant Choir
Meghan G., Abbie K., Jana K., Amelia R., Rebecca N., Allie G.-C., Alex R., Wenle M., Erika G., Caroline B., Sophie K., Leah F.-K., Kaylen M., Angelina A., Millie D., Madeline T., Chloe H., Zalia C., Seth L., Serena T., Reyna L., Sabrina J., Berkeley L. and Pauline L.

Others
Thanks to my intern Justin Beal from the University of Washington for directing the fourth graders. The fourth grade did an exceptional job singing a number of patriotic songs with the Bryant Choir. Thanks to Steve Garlid for his beautiful violin accompaniment with the choir to the song, “Flanders Field”. Thanks to Gloria Morrison and the 5th Grade Advance Trumpets (Madeline S.-M., Leonard C., Trygve G., Julian S.-R., Henry Y., Lucy M., Helen S. and Alex R.) for ending our program with a moving rendition of “Taps”. A big thank you to Rika Booth for all of her rehearsal time helping prepare the fourth graders for this assembly and serving as our accompanist. Finally, thanks to Kim Fox and Karen Ludloff for their support.

Jackie Symmes

Our immediate goal: to acquire instruments for elementary-age music students

A unique partnership – “Rotary Music4Life,” launched March 5 by Seattle Public Schools, Seattle area Rotary clubs, and the Northwest Youth Music Association – will expand music education for all children in Seattle Public Schools. One of the immediate goals of Rotary Music4Life is to acquire instruments for elementary-age music students. More than 100 fourth- and fifth- grade students who signed up for music classes this year were unable to participate because they did not have access to instruments. For more information or to donate an instrument, call Seattle Public Schools' Office of School Partnerships at 252-0476, e-mail rjlee @ seattleschools.org or visit the RotaryMusic4Life Web site at http://www.rotarymusic4life.org/index.html

We are still talking about our Hip Hop Residency with Chris Daigre. Each 3rd, 4th, and 5th grade class met for six sessions during PE and Music. Our students started off with moves learned from the previous year. By the end, our kids learned many “8 beat” sets of dance steps. Chris works with many different children and finds our Bryant students extremely fast learners. They move rhythmically and can step with confidence to the beats of the music.

I’d like to think that part of the reason our kids do so well is due, in no small measure, to the Whistlestop Residency program that we have integrated every year from Kindergarten to Fifth grade with our PE and Music classes.

55th Annual Seattle Public Schools
Summer Instrumental Music Program
For Grades 4 – 8

Eckstein Middle School
3003 N.E. 75th Street

First Session:
Monday, June 23, 2008 – Friday, July 11, 2008
[No Summer Music classes on July 4 holiday]

Second Session:
Monday, July 14, 2008 – Friday, August 1, 2008

West Seattle High School
3000 California Avenue S.W.

Monday, June 23, 2008 – Friday, July 11, 2008
[No Summer Music classes on July 4 holiday]

January promises to be a very busy month, musically speaking.  Our first assembly of the new year will be Friday, January 11th from 10:15-10:50am for our fourth and fifth graders.  They will hear musician Michael Nicolella perform a variety of guitar pieces from different time periods--from J.S. Bach to Jimi Hendrix.  He is sponsored by the Seattle Classic Guitar Society.  Michael resides in Seattle and has performed and given master classes in guitar all over the world, including the Seattle Symphony.  Want to know more about Michael?  Go to this web site: http://www.nicolella.com.