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Congratulations to Stephanie, the winner of our 2012 SMP
T-shirt design contest! You can see the students perform in their new t-shirts at our upcoming recitals (and you might find them being worn around school as well). Get a sneak peak of her design below!
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"Thanks to the SMP tutors and staff!
With their weekly individual and group lessons, SMP helps reinforce the musical skills and concepts that students are learning in my classes. Tutors are able to tailor their teachings to meet the specific needs of their student, which is truly an invaluable experience for the students and the school music program!"
- Lindsey Dustin, Seattle Public Schools Elementary Instrumental Music Teacher
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SMP has Profound Effect on Students
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Greetings from all of us at Seattle Music Partners!
As we start the new year, we thought you'd like to hear what some of our partners are saying about our work. This from Greg Imel, the Principal of Bailey Gatzert Elementary School:
"Seattle Music Partners has had a profound effect on the students and the Gatzert Community as a whole. We have seen changes in student engagement, interest in music and in school itself. More 4th and 5th grade students are participating in instrumental music than ever before. We are elated to have such a great partnership with such an influential program."
And here is what Julie Breidenbach, the Principal of Thurgood Marshall Elementary, had to say about our program:
"SMP has been a tremendous support to our Thurgood Marshall students. Their 1:1 sessions bring music to our students in a way that they would never have experienced without this program. The nurturing presence of the tutors and their consistent guidance supports our students as musicians but also as citizens."
In turn, we say Thank YOU to our partner schools for embracing our music program all these years and for sharing the talents of your students with us!
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Join us for an Upcoming Student Recital!
We are very excited to present the 2011-2012 Seattle Music Partners students in their first recital! The students are working hard with their tutors choosing pieces to perform and practicing. We would love to host you as a guest at any of our school recitals. Please let us know if we can expect you.
Monday, February 13th, 4pm -Thurgood Marshall Elementary
Tuesday, February 14th, 3:45pm - Leschi Elementary
Wednesday, February 15th, 4pm - Washington Middle
Thursday, February 16th, 3:40pm - Bailey Gatzert Elementary
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When the Student Becomes the Teacher
This month we feature Harald Hyllseth, one of our current volunteers at Leschi Elementary School. Harald started with SMP as a trumpet student in 4th grade and had the good fortune of working with the same tutor for 3+ years in elementary and middle school. "Working with SMP helped launch me as a musician. I had the opportunity to work with a great tutor - that level of support really meant a lot to me."
Harald is now a freshman at Garfield High School where he plays in the Jazz Band (B) and also with JazzEd in their Advanced Ensemble. "Now that I'm in high school, it's my turn to give back and to help a beginning student. It's great to be back at Leschi where my journey began. I'm eager to pass along what I've learned!"
The circle complete - the student returns as the teacher. We look forward to working with Harald and other SMP students-turned-tutors as the years continue!
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SMP Volunteers Learn from the Experts
The ongoing training and support of our volunteer corps is one of the keys to the success of our program. Each week, our Education and Program Directors lead debriefing sessions where teaching techniques, learning styles and music resources are shared with the group. In addition, SMP staff provides tailored feedback to individual tutors based on observations during lesson time.
To supplement these efforts, from time to time we invite guest speakers to share their particular expertise about developmental stages in learning, teaching tips for 4th and 5th graders, instrument specific pedagogy, etc.
In the past months, tutors have learned from Lindsey Dustin, the Elementary Instrumental Music teacher at two of our partner schools; Marcus Pimpleton, band director at Chief Sealth HS and Denny MS; Katy Pence, a 4th and 5th grade classroom teacher at Leschi Elementary; and Maria Scherer-Wilson, a SYSO-In-The-Schools (Seattle Youth Symphony Orchestras) string coach.
We are extremely grateful to these specialists who have taken the time to observe lessons and speak with our volunteers this school year.
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ArtsFund President Visits SMP 
Mari Horita, the new President of ArtsFund, recently spent an afternoon with us where she observed students deep in focus during one-on-one lessons with their tutor / mentors. "It was heartwarming to see the enthusiasm of the students. Not everyone is fortunate to have early access or exposure to the arts. SMP helps bring the gift of music to the youngest among us." Watching the tutor / student pairs in action, she commented "it's moving to see the meaningful bonds being formed between the students and their instructors."
Mari, a lifelong musician herself, so enjoyed the visit that she returned the following week to perform for the students during our 'snack time concert series.' She and other tutors performed as an impromptu string trio to the wondrous applause of the students.
For readers unfamiliar with Mari's work, ArtsFund strengthens arts in the region by raising and responsibly allocating funds to promote artistic and organizational excellence and by advocating for all the arts.
Mari - thanks for visiting and for your support!
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Thanks so much for your support of Seattle Music Partners! We would love to talk with you more about our program and look forward to seeing you at one of our upcoming recitals. Please contact us at info@seattlemusicpartners.org for more information.
All the best,
Seattle Music Partners Staff
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