Sanyo Band and Garfield Orchestra @ Meany Hall University of Washington

Tonight was a combined concert of two great high school music programs.  Garfield High School Orchestra hosted the Sanyo Band from Japan this week.  This is an ongoing musical exchange between the two schools.  Music was absolutely astounding from both schools and played at the Meany Hall for Performing Arts at University of Washington.  I have taught at the UW for a long time but have never been in Meany Hall!  And to find a Chilhuly Glass installation as well as a mural by Jacob Lawrence was an extra treat!

Meany Hall, Sanyo Band Performance 2011

 

Meany Hall Lobby, Chihuly Glass

Garfield Orchestra Foyer Concert

Wonderful concert tonight performed by the Garfield orchestras...the String, Concert, Symphony Orchestra.  We were taken away with the beautiful sounds filling the commons.

Pops Concert @ Garfield High School

Last night we attended the Pops Concert at Garfield Highschool.  It was a great concert filled with familiar tunes from current movies to classics. The Concert Orchestra played music from Apollo 13, An American Tale, Braveheart, Titanic, Lord of the Rings, & Pirates of the Caribbean.  The Symphony Orchestra played Baroque Flamenco with an electric harp solo by Vanessa Stovall,  Overture to West Side Story, Up, and the finale Rhapsody in Blue with piano solo by Jeff Gertler.  Truly amazing talent in all the kids performing.

Pops Concert at Quincy Jones Performing Arts Center- Garfield High School

Winter Waltz @ Benaroya

Friday night was the 18th annual Winter Waltz @ Benaroya Hall.  This is a fundraiser event put on by Friends of Garfield Orchestra and the Garfield High School Orchestra led by Marcus Tsutakawa.
It was a wonderful event open to the community.  Students, parents and general supporters of the orchestra attended.  An evening of waltzing from 7:00 to 11:00.   What was so great about it was seeing everyone enjoy the dance whether or not you really knew how.  At some moments there were so many people on the dance floor that it felt like driving in evening traffic!  The music was excellent and filled the space.  I brought my sketchbook and watercolors here are the sketches I did while there.

Winter Waltz @ Benaroya Hall

Chihuly Chandelier in Entry Lobby @ Benaroya

Garfield H.S. Music Program

The Seattle School District has a history of great music programs happening at the middle school and high school levels.  Each year our local school bands, orchestras and vocal choirs come home with national trophies which is a testament to how successful these music programs are.

Last night I was thrilled to hear the Garfield Orchestras play in the new Quincy Jones Performing Arts Center at Garfield High School.  All three orchestras were impressive.  I am amazed at how much Mr. Tsutakawa is able to accomplish with these students in a matter of  two months.  The orchestras are playing at a very high level.  Each parent should be proud of what their child can do as part of these groups.

Saturday, Dec. 11, 2010 @ 7:30 p.m. the Garfield Orchestra will be playing selected pieces from  Handel's Messiah at Seattle First Baptist on Capitol Hill. $12 for adults and $6 for students. Check out the Garfield Orchestra website for more information about upcoming events @ www.garfieldorchestra.org 

Friends of Garfield Orchestra

Monday night the Garfield High School Orchestra had a rehearsal and a parent group supporting the orchestra had the first meeting of the year in the Commons.  I took the opportunity to sketch while listening to the plans for the year.  Garfield High School Orchestra is under the direction of Marcus Tsutakawa and has grown from 10 students in 1985 to 160 with three levels of orchestra and smaller chamber groups.  See www.garfieldorchestra.org for concert listings this year.