
| From Rhonda Slinkard MS choir teacher I often share with others that I believe I have the best job in the world. I sing and play the piano all day with 5th-8th graders who are enthusiastic and make me laugh constantly. What a joy! There’s nothing like helping a student discover confidence in his/her voice through singing a solo for the first time in class, and having the support of 50 other singers in the choir applaud loudly afterwards. The students are given many opportunities to grow in music and stretch themselves in the choir classroom and through involvement with community music activities. Each year, the choir participates in the LCRMEA (Lower Columbia River Music Educators Association) choral festival. They sing three songs of contrasting style in front of other school choirs and two adjudicators. Each choir is given a score according to how they sound and perform as a group. The students also have the opportunity to audition in the fall for the Junior All-State Choir through WMEA (Washington Music Educators Association), and may choose to participate in the LCRMEA solo and ensemble festival. This year, the 7/8th grade choir recorded the “Star Spangled Banner” as an audition to sing at a Portland Trailblazer game. We will hear if the choir was chosen for this by the end of October. What a privilege it is to be part of a community that is so supportive of the arts in the schools. It is our responsibility to bring up our kids to be the best they can be for their families, their community, and their future. Giving these kids a well-rounded education, which includes the arts and music, is a great way to support the future of our children. This will be a fantastic school year! |

Our music directors are; Brenda McKay and Tonya McCord at the elementary school Rhonda Slinkard (choir) at the middle school Perry Calabrese (band) at the middle school Greg Cooper (band and choir) at the high school |