Greetings Kent Community,

This next week we celebrate the progress of our many young musicians at Kent through three evenings of winter concerts in our multi-purpose room. Please join us to experience the songs our students have prepared!

Experiences with music education were transformative for me growing up. Starting with piano and saxophone in elementary school, I eventually played alto and baritone sax all three years in middle school, including lugging that baritone saxophone in marching band my last semester of eighth grade. I loved every minute of it. I still maintain connection with my middle school band teachers, Mr. Brigham and Ms. Boudreaux, who both provided me with guidance and modeling in musicianship, responsibility, and creativity.

Any visitor to our new music room will quickly understand the depth of learning happening within. Under the capable and experienced guidance of Mr. Michael Martinez, our students are learning rhythm, harmony, melody, composition, and instrumentation. The sound produced by these ensembles reflects wonderful collaboration and growth, and I could not be more impressed by what our students are learning about music. It’s also clear to see that Mr. Martinez creates a safe space for our children to explore and create, and the benefits being realized through Kent music education go way beyond music, fostering increased confidence, sense of purpose, patience, discipline, and inclusion. Next week provides us with an opportunity to celebrate all of this, and to show our students that we value music and the arts!

So, please come join us for one of all of our winter concerts! Fifth grade band plays on Tuesday evening, sixth grade and 0 period bands play on Wednesday evening, and sixth grade and 0 period choirs perform on Thursday evening. I look forward to enjoying these concerts with you!