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To Sum Up....

While students were going to school remotely, our performing arts directors went above and beyond to keep kids engaged—no easy feat for a program based on working and performing together. Thank you, directors, for all of your work. 

Read more about the work the directors did during remote learning due to COVID 19 pandemic below. 

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Coming Soon...

As we move into the summer months, we hope that you all find time to rest, relax, and rejuvenate. This fall may bring about more uncertainties and challenges to overcome but rest assured the directors are keeping up with the latest research and serving on committees to chart the best path forward to make next year's program successful. We hope you stay happy and healthy and we look forward to seeing you in person next school year. We thank you for your patience with us.

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2020 BPAB Golden Note Award Winners

Last week we spotlighted the student winners; this week we recognize the parents who have demonstrated an ongoing commitment and involvement to the Ballard Performing Arts Board throughout their students’ years at Ballard High School.

This year’s Golden Note winners include:

Congrats and thank you for your many years of service and dedication.

Also, In honor of Mara’s outstanding years of service, we’ve created the new Mara Lim Award, which, starting next year, we are giving to a Ballard Performing Arts Board parent volunteer for their outstanding contribution within the academic year.

“Thank you to everyone for your hard work, perseverance, and support during these

past few months. Our weekly Zoom meetings were one of the true highlights of each week for me. It was a time to connect, catch up, laugh, listen to and discuss wonderful choral music, and keep up with our sight-reading, vocal technique, and music theory. I loved listening to your solo song projects, and to your online ‘auditions’,” writes Ms. Rowley. “And in partnership with the seniors, it was great to figure this whole ‘virtual choir’ thing out. I’m glad we could make your Senior Song possible during this time. I invite you to join me in watching the Senior Class of 2020 present ‘For Good!’”

Though the Musical was cancelled, the students still pulled off the next best thing with a virtual performance of a medley of songs from the musical, Xanadu.

Band director Michael James met regularly with his groups on zoom calls, and students

worked diligently on solos and recordings as they prepared for auditions. Group highlights

started with members of Wind Ensemble gathering to remotely play the Ballard High

School Fight Song “Cheer Cheer” (edited by Ethan Christensen), which, along with two

performances by Ballard Choirs, was also closed out the Class of 2020 virtual graduation

video.

Jazz and other students were integral in setting up the Black Lives Matter fundraiser

where a $25 donation qualifies you in a drawing for one of the Performing Arts’ programs

five ensemble groups. There’s still time to donate and enter the drawing through June 30th.

At senior checkout, each senior received a rose, as they would have at the final

band concert, when band awards winners would also have been named. Check them out in the Senior Band Memories and Awards video.

The Seattle Symphony Brass Quintet performs  Pomp & Circumstance .

Special thanks to Mr. Ko-ichiro Yamamoto, AKA Yuta's dad, and Seattle Symphony's lead trombonist, as well as the other members. Thank you, Mara for the video and your help over the years. 

Senior Night Photos  

Lessons: Would you like a free lesson from a member of the United States Marine Band?  Check out these videos .  

Would you like a free lesson from a member of the Jazz at Lincoln Center Orchestra?  Check out these videos.   

Thanks to a strong relationship with the Seattle Symphony, Orchestra Director Elizabeth

Fortune was able to secure a series of masterclasses for our orchestra students, led by

members of the Seattle Symphony. They assisted students in preparing for their

placement audition for the upcoming school year. Huge shout-out to Ms. Fortune and

members of the symphony.

Ms. Fortune also celebrated all musicians this year and their accomplishments,

hand-delivering a token of her appreciation for seniors.

“In this new situation, we have had to quickly pivot to create content that can be

delivered from the kitchen table,” writes Ms. Fortune. “The overall goal is to have

continued learning and enjoyment... and hopefully, continued ‘loyalty’ and perseverance

for students and families while we are in a situation that forces us to put the

‘together-thing’ on hold. All this while also taking time to explore other important things

like what music means to us as individuals, and what we can do to continue growth in our

own personal skills. And yes, ALL while not overwhelming the students and families who

are navigating all kinds of other academic/ home/ work gauntlets. I truly appreciate everyone 's support for our program.”

BPA Supports BLM

How do we support Black Lives Matter?

Performing Arts students made a great way you can participate. Check it out.