Grades:  5th-8th
Number of Students:  3 Minumum
Day(s) & Time:  Thursday, 3:45-4:45 pm
Room:  MPR
Teachers:  Laura Higgins & Ed Castro
Registration Cost:  $120

In addition to building musical skills on drums, cymbals, and keyboard percussion instruments, students in this class will learn the terminology and appropriate techniques for dozens of instruments in the vast group known as “accessory percussion”. This ensemble will contribute the percussion parts for the Soundview Bands and Soundview Community Youth Orchestra, as well as develop unique and exciting pieces written specifically for percussion ensemble performance. Students who currently study wind and string instruments are encouraged to participate, as well as new and experienced percussion students.

Teacher Bios:
Mrs. Higgins did her undergraduate work in Music Education at Northern Arizona University, and her graduate studies in Instrumental Conducting at Long Beach State University. Her student ensembles have consistently earned the highest ratings in small ensemble festivals, including several middle school percussion ensembles.

Dr. Castro’s education formally started at the Manhattan School of Music (Bachelor of Music), Yale University School of Music (Master of Music) and at the University of Washington (Doctor of Musical Arts) in trumpet performance. In addition to teaching, Dr. Castro has an active professional life as a performer and frequently plays with local orchestras and ensembles. He also regularly arranges music for the groups with which he plays. Dr. Castro has been a trumpet and brass instrumental coach for bands and orchestral ensembles for several Puget Sound area schools and organizations.