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!   
From the Music Directors


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