Fall Play Auditions Now Open
Students are invited to audition for the first-ever virtual play in Ballard High School history. The Theatre Department will stage the comedic play Greater Tuna, set in the fictional town of Tuna, Texas, the "third-smallest" town in the state. The play is both an affectionate comment on small-town, southern life, and attitudes and a withering satire.
This play will be rehearsed completely via Microsoft Teams. Students will work through a couple of Teams rehearsals on their character with Mr. Riley, provide a costume, and then work with the filming schedule and our tech expert, Gustavo, in October to record their part.
The production will stream through showtix4u.com; the same website our patrons usually use to purchase tickets online! Ticket prices will be $10 per individual or $30 for a group of 5 or more.
2020-2021 Fees Due September 15
Program Fees help to pay for buses, trips, uniforms and other supplies that support the students and the program. This year, due to virtual instruction, we will have fewer trips but different needs such as additional technology support to enable optimal instruction and performances. While your program fees will be used a bit differently, we ensure you that they will be put to great use in ensuring a high quality artistic experience for all students.
- No Camp Fees this year
- Annual Fees for band, orchestra, or choir: $155
- Jazz I = $100
- Jazz II = No Fee
To Pay Fees
Online: Go to the "Payment and Ticket Sale" Tab at ballardperformingarts.org and find your group. Create an account to keep track of payments.
By check/mail: Mail a check,with the name of your student and their group in the memo line to:
PO Box 17774 Seattle WA 98127
All fees are due September 15
Interim Band Teacher Announced
As a school and an organization, we are committed to finding a passionate and dynamic music educator to lead the Ballard Bands. In the interim, we have found an experienced music sub to help lead the program. We are pleased to welcome Mr. Walter White as our substitute. Walter has been a music sub in the district since 2003, and has subbed for many secondary band programs in Seattle. He will be working in conjunction with our other BPA Directors and Coaches to ensure as smooth a transition as possible for the start of the school year.
Here is an introduction from Mr. White:
Walter White has been a musician since age 7, when he began piano lessons. Oboe took over in elementary school with piano being jettisoned ("Biggest mistake of my life," he has been heard to mutter) and tenor sax was added in 7th grade to get into jazz band. High school at Interlochen Arts Academy, college at Beloit, whence bass guitar was added to the repertoire and oboe halted for a few decades. Exited with a BA in English Lit/Secondary teaching certificate in 1973. He has been teaching privately since the late 70s and performed in numerous groups, playing West African high life, rock, R 'n' B, English folk rock, blues, jazz, unnameable mixtures of indefinable rhythmic things with melodies on occasion. He began using his teaching certificate in 2003, working as a substitute for SPS mainly for music classes ("Because that is what I do best", he mutters) and here we are today. He may be reached at: wewhite@seattleschools.org
What’s Happening with Jazz Band
The directors are exploring some options. It is yet to be determined whether rehearsals will be before or after school. Teachers will discuss what works best with students the first weeks of school. Instruction for Jazz will likely be two days a week, synchronous, with additional, optional student-led rehearsals in small combos/groups at other times. More will be worked out and communicated with students and families in the coming weeks.
School Instrument Pickup
Students who need an instrument for the school year should email their director as soon as possible. Include the student's first and last name, grade, and the class they are enrolled in.
BPA Board and Parent Meeting
September 15, via zoom (link to be posted soon)
6 p.m. board meeting, 7 p.m. zoom meeting
Goodwill Truck
September 20, 9 am till noon
The Goodwill truck will be at the back Ballard HS parking lot off of NW 67th Ave. They will accept small furniture (no large furniture please), electronics, used cell phones, clothes, shoes, toys, kitchen items, etc. (Bring Ballard Market receipts -- Ballard Market supports Ballard Performing Arts with a percentage of purchases)
