Finding Their Note

This month, our fifth-grade students embarked on a musical adventure by attending music showcases hosted by our district’s high school musicians. This annual December tradition serves as a vital bridge to the future, introducing fifth graders to the vibrant music programs that open the door to their next educational chapter.

High school students from band, choir and orchestra performed several music pieces for the fifth-grade students. The students also met with musicians who demonstrated and shared their experiences. Students had the opportunity to hold and feel instruments, see how a choir student develops their singing skills and ask questions of the musicians.

“Our music programs are designed to welcome every student, from the complete beginner to the naturally gifted,” says Assistant Superintendent Kelly Jansen. “They are communities where diverse individuals find common purpose and a shared identity.” 

This showcase affirms music education's role as a foundational pillar within our schools. The music programs our students enter in middle school and can pursue through high school cultivate essential life skills and opportunities.

“A band, orchestra or choir is the ultimate teamwork exercise,” says Teaching and Learning Services Supervisor Laura Larsen. “Students learn to listen and depend on one another to create something larger than themselves.” 

The showcase is led by high school students who once sat in those same fifth-grade seats. This peer mentorship is invaluable. It shows our younger students they can become dedicated musicians, supportive section leaders and confident performers thriving in our secondary schools.

“This showcase is where my musical journey began,” recalls senior Guary Nambury. “Seeing the older students sing made me realize I could do that too. Now, I hope to inspire the next group.”

“They bring so much energy and joy as an audience, I can’t even begin to describe it,” says sophomore Koby Brown. “Performing for the kids genuinely warms my heart.”

This firsthand exposure empowered the fifth-grade students to make an informed and inspired choice for their sixth-grade elective. 

“I for sure thought I was going to want to do choir,” says fifth-grader Ben Gifford. “After the showcase, I knew I wanted to play trumpet.”

“I loved the band's performance,” says fifth-grader Veronika Fomina. “I loved the loudness of the drums and I’m excited to get to play them.”

“I sing every day,” says fifth-grader Gannon Lewandowski. “Choir feels like the right choice.”

Thank you to the high school music directors and their dedicated students who make this annual tradition possible. You are helping nurture the future of our district’s arts community and demonstrate the enduring value of music in public education.