Our last FORESMA meeting for the year was VIRTUAL on Monday, June 6. We look forward to seeing everyone next year in September!
End of Year Concerts and Art Showcase
Our in-house performances are just around the corner!
In addition to the great music, there will be a gallery walk, concession sales, flower sales to honor your special musician, awards, and recognition for all of our 8th graders!
June 13 at 7pm - Orchestra Concert
June 15 at 7pm - Band Concert
6:00pm Call time for band members. Concessions will be open so you can grab some dinner and check out at all of the great artwork created by our art classes here at RESMS.
6:30pm All band members in warm-up rooms. Symphonic Band in the Library, Concert Band in the Orchestra Room, and Wind Ensemble in the Band Room.
7:00pm Concert starts.
Attire: Concert black (Black pants, black belt, black socks, black shoes, black shirt, black dress).
Syttende Mai Parade
Our marching band made a stunning appearance in Ballard for the parade celebrating Norwegian Independence day (May 17). Next parade (and last for this season) will be the Marysville Strawberry Festival.
Spirit Wear - Music and Marching band
For two weeks only (May 8-22), FORESMA sponsoring an apparel sale. Our online store has hoodies and t-shirts in both children and adult sizes. Black, Grey, White and Red (adults only).
You can choose between two logos: ‘Eagle Staff Music’ or ‘Marching Ravens’ and show your support at parades, competitions, and the grocery store!
Pick up can be at the school (free) or shipped directly to you (add’l charge). Estimated date they will be ready is June 12-14.
Bonus: A percentage of all sales comes back to support the music program.
Email Meredith Lee with general questions, or contact Customer Service for an order-related question.
High School Band Auditions
Ballard High School auditions for symphonic band or wind ensemble should include a short etude (sheet music link here) and a 2-octave chromatic scale at a comfortable tempo. Optional: they may also include another piece that shows off their skills. Students should submit their recordings on this google drive by June 11, 2023. Contact Jay Gillespie for more information.
If you are are headed to Roosevelt High School next year, Jazz Band auditions will be held in-person in June. You must sign up before your audition. Be prepared to play a chromatic scale and two pieces (one required, one choice). Vocal (May 23), Rhythm section (June 14) and Brass/Sax/Reeds (June 21). More info here.
If headed to Ingraham High school, or another high school, check their music booster or school website. Auditions are often held in May for the following school year.
Apple Blossom Parade (and Festival)
First parade of the season is complete! The marching band traveled to Wenatchee, WA on April 29 to perform in the Junior Apple Blossom Parade and took home FIRST PLACE in the middle school division. Over 90 Eagle Staff students marched and played under gorgeous blue skies.
Next up: Syttende Mai Parade in Ballard on May 17.
Lionel Hampton Jazz Festival
Both Jazz bands (Jazz 1 & 2) traveled to the University of Idaho for the Lionel Hampton Jazz Festival last weekend (April 20-23) . Both bands performed for judges, participated in clinics (hosted by university professors and guest artists), and listened to live evening performances by world-class musicians. Thank you to our teachers, principal and chaperones for making this extraordinary experience happen.
Congratulations to both Nathan Doyle and Fenix Meer who earned awards as outstanding soloists!
Summer Music Opportunities!
There are many summer options to continue music; this is a compilation of some options available. Many have varying tuition rates with scholarship opportunities and dates vary. Open the accordion below for a description and registration link.
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SPS students entering grades 5-9 who play an instrument. Groups vary by level. 2 locations (Aki Kurose MS and Jane Addams MS).
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Students w/ 3+ years of orchestra experience.
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Students with around 2 years of orchestra experience; intermediate level students wanting a challenge.
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Students wanting to try out bass/guitar/keyboard/vocals in a pop/rock music setting. Register here.
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Students wanting to do a deep dive into chamber music. 2 years experience on an instrument required. Students can register w/ pre-formed chamber groups, or be placed by audition.
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Sessions offered for students entering grades 5-8 or grade 9+.
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Students entering grades 6-9.
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Rising 6th-9th graders who identify as female or nonbinary with at least 1 year on their instrument; (open to ANY instruments, including strings). Tuition is a sliding scale / pay what you can.
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Grades 6-12 w/ 1 year of experience. Any instrument is welcome but you must be able to walk with it (participants have gotten creative with this, read the description 😊 ). Tuition is a sliding scale / pay what you can.
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Marching band for incoming 9th-12th graders and graduating seniors. Combines musicians from all Seattle Public High Schools and rehearses and performs for 6 weeks at local parades. Relaxed and fun.
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One week (Aug 7-11) only in Seattle. Requires 1 year of any brass instrument (5th - 12th grade). This day camp affords young brass players a unique opportunity to play chamber music with brass choirs, quintets, ensembles and trios, with a fun concert on the last day . Held at Lincoln High School.
BUILD FOR THE FUTURE
2023 Direct Ask Fundraising Campaign
THANK YOU for everyone’s participation and generosity! We raised just over $13,000 during this year’s FORESMA Direct Ask Fundraising Campaign. While all of your donations combined makes up less than half of our annual budget, they go a long way to support this award-winning program.
FORESMA is our music booster group, dedicated to ensuring our kids receive a robust music education and one that is accessible regardless of financial ability. We raise money to ensure every student has a holistic music experience, and one that enriches their overall lives and education, both inside and outside of the classroom.
““To me music means community and working together to create something amazing... uniting all of the musicians through a common goal.””
Your donations directly support:
Participation in regional festivals, parades and competitions such as the WWU Orchestra Festival, Lionel Hampton Jazz Festival, and the Apple Blossom and Port Townsend Parades
Purchase and maintenance of musical instruments
Jazz Band instructional support
Professional small-group instrument coaching
Expansion of the sheet music library with modern music, to keep kids engaged and inspired.
All of the above adds up to an annual budget of $40,000. This fundraising drive helps us close the funding gap between our program needs and the funding support from the Seattle School District. Your donations allow us to continue providing this enrichment.
Thank you to Microsoft, Apple, Salesforce, Starbucks, Motorola and others for providing past matching funds. If you are interested in increasing giving options for your employees, FORESMA is listed on the giving platform Benevity.
Music learning supports all learning
““Music is something that gives me joy... I can hang out with my friends while creating something beautiful and unique.” ”
Did you know …?
Students who participate in band or orchestra report the lowest lifetime (and current) use of all substances including alcohol, tobacco, and drugs.
Music helps adolescents control emotions, cope with peer pressure, family dynamics and friendships.
Teens use music as their “social glue” and as a bridge for building acceptance and tolerance for people of different ages and cultural backgrounds.
Students who learn music in middle school score significantly higher on algebra assignments in 9th grade and mathematics proficiency by 12th grade.
Schools with robust music programs have a 90.2% graduation rate and 93.9% attendance rate.
Together, we are helping students soar in music, and in life.
March Concerts
We were excited to be able to live-stream both the Orchestra and the Band concerts. Due to copyright issues, however, we were not able to record them. A special thank you to Brian Moynihan and all of our AV volunteers for helping make this happen!
Western Washington University Orchestra Festival
Congratulations to Ms. Gorham and the concert orchestra on being awarded 3rd place in their division at the Western Washington State Orchestra Festival. Students travelled to Western Washington University in Bellingham, joining over 2,500 middle- and high-school musicians from schools as far away as Spokane and Vancouver, WA to participate in this event (March 10-11, 2023). They performed beautifully, and impressed everyone — including the judges. Great work!!
Welcome Our New Band Program Long Term Substitute Mr. Gordon
We are excited to have Patrick Gordon stepping in to lead the Robert Eagle Staff Raven's bands as our new long-term sub. Mr. Gordon is an Assistant Director with Seattle All-City Marching Band and most recently served four years as the Director of Bands for the Quincy School District where he led the Quincy High School and Quincy Middle School Bands before moving back to Seattle to pursue his masters in teaching. Mr. Gordon is looking forward to working with all of the great students here at Robert Eagle Staff Middle School and all of the great performances!
Mr. Gordon will be supported by All-City Band Director Dr. Marcus Pimpleton who will be instructing Jazz I and coordinating the spring performances and travel for the jazz and marching band programs.
A huge thank you to Mr. Orlin for his willingness to step in and cover band for the last several months! And we wish him luck in his next endeavor.
Tutta Bella Dine Out Fundraiser
Thank you to Tutta Bella, and to everyone who warmed up their winter nights with pizza! Every second week of the month (December, January, February and March) they generously donated a portion of their profits to the RES music program.
Tutta Bella has a warm atmosphere, authentic pizza, and tasty pasta and salads. Please continue to support this local restaurant just as they have supported us.
Their locations are Wallingford, S Lake Union, Columbia City, Issaquah, U Village QFC (Online only), Kirkland QFC (Online only).
Winter Concerts
We hope everyone was able to listen to the performances in person. If not, see the recorded livestream links below.
Orchestra & Guitar Concert:
Tuesday December 13, 2022 @ 7pm
RECORDING: click here to view the recorded performance
Band Concert: Thursday December 8, 2022 @ 7pm
RECORDING: click here to view the recorded performance
Concessions:
Thank you to EVERYONE who donated goodies as well as those who purchased them. We raised over $1000 with the concession stand at both concerts!
Stickers for Sale! Look for our newly-printed vinyl stickers at the concession stand $2 each, or 3 for $5.
CONCERT ATTIRE
For musicians, performance attire expectations are listed in the Band Handbook (p13) and Orchestra/Guitar Handbook (p10). Students should wear all-black concert attire and choose from the following list, or get approval from their music teacher for an all-black alternative.
All-black button-down shirt or tuxedo/suit
All-black dress
All black pants/slacks/leggings/stockings
All black cultural/religious clothing
All black socks
All black shoes
Ties/bowties are optional; must be all black
Don’t have any of these things? There is a bin of all-black clothes & shoes is in the instrument room. Encourage your students to look through it before buying something new. If your student has out-grown their performance wear, it can be put to good use in this bin.
Orchestra performs at the lake
Our orchestra braved the cold and the wet on Dec 10, 2022 to perform at the Greenlake Pathway of Lights: an annual tradition of luminaries and holiday music along the lake!
Cancelled: Marching Band Caroling events
Unfortunately we have had to cancel the holiday caroling events previously scheduled for Dec 12-14. We hope that next year we will be able to play music through the neighborhoods, so check again in 2023.
MOD Pizza Fundraiser … Monday November 28
Thank you to everyone who participated in this dine-out event!
And thank you to the MOD Ballard branch for donating a portion of their profits. Please continue to support this business as they continue to support RES music.
Location: 6010 15th Ave NW Seattle, WA 98107
Evergreen Sales (Oct 1 - 30) - A Success!
A huge thank you to everyone who participated in this fundraiser! We exceeded our goal and raised over $4300 for the music program. Stay tuned for how these much-needed funds get used.
Save the date to pick up your local orders from school!
Monday, November 21st from 2-6pm.
Google Calendar - ICS
If you have questions about your direct delivery items contact Sherwood Forest Farms customer service line directly at 1-800-767-7778 and they are happy to assist you. www.sherwoodforestfarms.com
On-line sales ended Oct 30, 2022. If you missed our October ordering window, please look for this fundraiser again next year, so you can continue to support our program. Thank you!
Orchestra Newsletter
Curious about what’s happening in the classroom? Read the latest Fall Newsletter from Orchestra and Guitar Teacher Hannah Gorham and learn about the "Wacky Wednesday W-challenge", composing, hip hop orchestra, and lunchtime concerts.
2022 / 2023 Program Fee
Thank you to all of the families who have paid this fee! We had participation from 75% of our students, and we appreciate everyone remembering, and clicking. This fee is key to the success of our music program.
If you have been too busy, or have forgotten, its OK! It’s never too late to pay using this PayPal link.
At the beginning of each school year, we ask that each family contribute a $40 program fee for the year. These funds supplement districts funds and our fundraising efforts and help pay for activities including small group coaching, instrument purchases & repairs, sheet music, instrument reeds, strings, oils, transportation to performance trips & competitions, a t-shirt for each student, and more.
The 2022-2023 Welcome Letter discusses this fee, and the FORESMA organization, which is a 501 (c) non-profit organization helping to support this middle school music program. Please have a read if it got lost in a backpack!
2022/23 Jazz Bands announced!
Auditions are complete, and we’d like to congratulate all of the members of the 2022-23 jazz bands!
Jazz Band I and II are full year classes and will perform at several concerts and festivals throughout the year. Rehearsals are before school 3-4 days per week.
JAZZ BAND 2
Amelia M.
Charlotte R.
Malcolm B.
Ian F.
Nika G.
Sejal G.
Sylvia P.
Kavya T.
Torsten A.
Eliza B.
Leonie C.
Olyver H.
Cecelia V.
Suzuka W.
Zy D.
Jonah C.
Memphis H.
Dash Y.
Eliza F.
Gus K.
Henry P.
Leah R.
Hanzo W.
Naomi W.
Atlas M.
Christian D.
Time S.
Noah G.
Grayson D.
Harry K.
Daphne V.
Jazz Band 1
Fenix M.
Josie M.
Elsa S.
Benji S.
Anneliese U.
Ellie G.
Natalie G.
Oliver B.
Nathan D.
Senna W.
Rafferty M.
Rafa D.
Cooper S.
Elina D.
Luca E.
Gus K.
Matthew A.
Finn S.
2021-2022 Year Highlights
RESMS band releases its first single “SOAR” in collaboration with rap artist Bruce Wayne, the Wind Ensemble played alongside the UW Concert Band, and recorded “Juice” in a promotional video for artist Lizzo and her upcoming Seattle concert.
RESMS band and drumline was honored to perform at several events in the city this year, including the Light Rail Station (Northgate) Opening, WNBA Storm Game halftime show, and the 2022 SPS School Leaders Institute.
After 2 years of silence, RESMS marching band entertained multiple parade crowds and street fans including those at the St Patrick's Day Parade (Downtown Seattle), Syttende Mai (Ballard), the Daffodil Parades (Tacoma, Puyallup, Sumner, Orting), Greenwood Elementary, and the RESMS 8th Grade Graduation.
Jazz Bands 1 and 2 participated (virtually) in the University of Idaho Lionel Hampton Jazz Festival and were both recognized with high honors! Eagle Staff Jazz II won 3rd Place. Eagle Staff Jazz I won 1st Place Junior Instrumental Ensemble & Junior Sweepstakes Award Winner (overall award).
RESMS Band teacher, John Aguilar, was announced as a quarterfinalist for the GRAMMY Music Educator Quarterfinalist last summer for the 8th annual Music Educator Award.
Orchestra, Guitar and Band all rocked the house with their 3 in-person concerts: fall, winter and spring. This was truly music to our ears.
And to help our students do all of this, we needed money for transportation, entrance fees, new equipment and instruments, music coaches and more. By the end of the school year we had raised over $25,000 through Dine-Out nights (MOD Pizza, Tutta Bella, Hangry Panda, Hummus Cafe, Valhalla Sandwiches), selling concessions at our concerts, selling Flower and Veggie Boxes in the fall, selling holiday greens in the winter, and directly asking for money during our Direct Ask Campaign. What an amazing year! It could not have happened without the overwhelming support the community, friends, and families. Thank you!!
Read about our year in detail in last year’s blog.
All students can be musicians
Even 8th graders who have never played an instrument are welcome to sign up for music at Eagle Staff. More information can be found here:
2021 Power point presentation can be found here.
FAQs (and answers!) can be found here.
Contact info for our music teachers:
Mr. John Aguilar (all Bands):
Ms. Hannah Gorham (Orchestra & Guitar):
How can you get involved?
Volunteer
We welcome your help as a one-time gig (bake a batch of cookies?) or as an ongoing thing (be a band or orchestra concert coordinator?). See the volunteer page for details.
Read the Raven’s Call (PTSA) Newsletter
Look for an email from “Friends of Robert Eagle Staff Middle School” (info@eaglestaffptsa.org) or ask to be added to their listserv. Get updates on all RESMS music events. Take a look at all our past happenings in our archives.
Follow Us on Facebook
FORESMA has regular updates on Facebook and is monitored by our Board so that you can get answers!
CHECK OUT OUR CALENDAR
See all the events Robert Eagle Staff Middle School music programs have going on.
Make a donation
Funds support instruction, instruments and music, and opportunities for students to travel and perform. Donations are tax deductible. Corporate match info is here.
Donate via Paypal or mail a check to:
FORESMA c/o Robert Eagle Staff Middle School
1330 N 90th St, Seattle, WA 98103
ATTEND A FORESMA MEETINg
All are welcome! FORESMA meets on the second Mondays of the month, from 7-8pm. Get the virtual link here or check out our previous meeting minutes
FORESMA (Friends of Robert Eagle Staff Musical Arts) is a booster group that supports the music programs at Robert Eagle Staff Middle School. Through fundraising and outreach, it ensures all interested students, regardless of their background or musical experience, have access to music education and the opportunity to develop a passion for music. Last year almost 1/2 of the student body (350 students) were enrolled in music programs! Our goal is to get 100% participation.