When a local student wins an award at a music festival, the parents and school are naturally proud. But when the musical groups from one school sweep all possible musical awards at such an event, it is nothing short of phenomenal. Such was the case with the recent victory by 185 students, grades 6-8, from Washington Middle School at the Anaheim Music Festival, which took place May 19-22. According to Beth Fortune, orchestra and choir teacher, students took first place in all categories and managed to take all other possible awards.
"Our students received 13 trophies, plaques, and certificates and any other awards possible," said Fortune with more than a touch of wonder in her voice. The groups that participated included choir, junior band, concert band, and senior orchestra. Not bad for an inner city school. Fortune attributes the students' success to several factors, including solid parental support.
"These kids have the support of their parents. Some parents buy their kids very nice instruments. In addition, the music department at WMS will loan instruments to kids at no charge, and offers scholarships to deserving students to obtain private lessons. Kids tend to start in the music program at the elementary school level with band and keep going."
Fortune continued, " Another reason why these kids do well is the school obtains grant money to hire clinicians, ensemble coaches, section instructor to work with them. For example, the cellists will meet once a week with a specialist to specifically work with them on their part of the musical piece. The important thing is that no one gets turned away, regardless of whether they can afford instruments, and this includes going to Anaheim. You have to remember this is a life-changing event."
She should know. Fortune, 28, played violin in her elementary school days, a practice that began a long-term love affair with music. She has taught at WMS for the past three years, but knew since her own graduation from high school what she wanted to be when she grew up.
"When I walked across that stage when I graduated I knew immediately what I wanted to do with the rest of my life- teach music."
Fortune is passionate about these students, but when pressed for her role, she modestly mentions her colleague, Robert Knatt, band teacher.
"Robert is legendary," she stated with awe. "The school is known for its jazz and concert bands, and Robert is the one you should talk to."
Robert Knatt is a tall, thin man with a twinkle in his eye, and endless energy, amazing since school is out in two days and students will receive their yearbooks in less than an hour. He has been band teacher at WMS since 1990
"These kids are great because of their hard work. They consistently perform up to their level and technically wise they are kind of above their supposed ability level. You know, jazz is a different language. It's the same notes but a different language and you must learn from those before you. A good musician consistently learns to listen and improve their skills. It's theory in motion."
"These kids...," Knatt pauses and sighs." These kids are pretty sincere people. They give 110 percent of what they have. Their hearts are assets. They are very sincere and it comes out in their music. You know, you can't deceive the content when it comes to music and you must have sincerity.These kids have it."
Angelo Ivory-Ndiaye, age 14
This strapping eighth grader moves with a casualness that belies his impressive talents, musically, academically, and athletically. As a member of the senior concert band, he started playing clarinet in the fourth grade along with piano, and is now starting to play trumpet.
"For some reason I just love music. For me it goes beyond self-expression. Music is just me." He stares off, amazed at the idea. Ndiaye comes from a musical family. His dad sings and his mom plays clarinet, flute, and percussion.
Not content with just playing an instrument, Ndiaye is also a member of the football, crew and baseball teams at WMS.
"I hope to play saxophone in high school in the jazz band," he says wistfully, "and then continue with music in college."
Sam Koelle, 14
Sam Koelle is clear about why he likes senior concert band and jazz band as well.
"I grew up into the program, working under Mr. Knatt," he states seriously." The school has a great curriculum in both the jazz and senior bands. In addition, what I really like is the variation we get here in the program." Koelle plays alto saxophone as well as piano. His dad plays mandolin. Like Ndiaye, Koelle hopes to play music as long as possible and get into the jazz band at Garfield high School.
Riley Mulherkar, 13.
This seventh-grade trumpet and bass guitar player also comes from a musical family, with every member playing some kind of instrument or having a musical connection. His brother Andrew is a star tenor at Garfield, his mother plays classical piano, and his dad plays the guitar. Mulherkar performs in both the senior concert band and jazz bands at WMS.
"What I love about this program and the band is that it's a lot of fun. In concerts you get to play with more people with each having different parts in the group so it's a big sound. I really like jazz music and I hope to play some kind of music through high school and college."
Colleen Gilligan, 14
This gracious eighth grader is perhaps the most experienced member of the musicians we met with at WMS, having performed at five musical festivals thus far in her tender career. She began playing bass in the fourth grade.
"We were allowed to pick an instrument and I didn't like blowing. So I convinced the music teacher to let me do the bass."
As a member of the senior orchestra, she plays bass, now first chair, she excitedly shares. In addition, she also plays piano and drums, and she is multitalented in other areas, including tap, soccer, and design. But clearly she adores music and it shows as she speaks.
"I love that we get to play good music, stuff people actually like, and are motivated to practice. Jazz also offers so much variety, too."
Gilligan, however, doesn't want music to be her entire life when she goes to college.
"I don't want music to be my whole life," she stated with wisdom beyond her years. "There are other things I like to do, too."
Michael Proulx, age 12
At age 12, Michael Proulx is the youngest person we talked to in this talented group. He started violin at age 5 and has been playing for the past 7 years. He is one of only four sixth graders in the senior orchestra. In addition to violin, Proulx also plays soccer, tennis, and baseball.
Proulx comes from a family that places a high value on playing an instrument.
"My parents enforced the idea that each child would play an instrument and a sport (Proulx has two younger sisters). My dad played trumpet in high school plus several other instruments. I am hoping to play violin through college but I don't want it to become my life," he stated.
Proulx continued, " This program is a great opportunity to play other music, to perform all different types, and not all solos. It's a good opportunity to play several different parts in a musical piece because the piece is a lot more intricate."
For more information on the musical programs at Washington Middle School, please contact the principal, Marilyn Day, at (206) 252-2605.
Mary Sanford may be reached by writing to editor@sdistrictjournal.com.[[In-content Ad]]
