Explorer Middle School music program offers dinner, auction
Published 11:04 pm Monday, January 11, 2010
Maddy Chun plays the violin at Explorer Middle School in the Mukilteo School District.
Her school music program could use some help. A Spaghetti Dinner Auction is planned for Feb. 5 by Explorer’s Instrumental Music Booster Association. All funds will support the student music program’s needs, including sheet music, instrument repairs, uniforms, scholarships and transportation expenses.
The program would like donated items for the auction. For more information, call Tina Chun, 206-718-0658; Karen Wheeler, 425-501-9983; or the school at 425-356-1240.
The fundraiser begins at 6 p.m. Tickets are $6 for an adult, $4 for ages 6 to 17 and free for younger children. It’s at Explorer Middle School, 9600 Sharon Drive in Everett.
Tina Chun, Maddy’s mother, says orchestra and band directors Robin Enders and Anita Valdez have a challenging job.
“Because in order for the piece to sound like anything, each student has to keep count and stay with the group,” Chun said. “It’s just amazing when it all comes together, and this is what makes me proud.”
She says her daughter plays the violin because it relaxes her, and it gives her a sense of accomplishment when she plays her piece successfully.
“Really, the beauty and joy of watching and listening to middle school orchestra and band music is when every student plays their part well,” Chun said. “They produce a sound that is music to your ears. As a parent, I feel so much joy when I see my child performing her piece and working with others to produce music.”
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The call it “Over-the-Hill Hikers,” but in this case, they certainly aren’t physically over the hill.
These outdoor lovers are in great shape.
South County Senior Center Over the Hill Hikers tackle Schweitzer Loop, meeting at 8 a.m. Thursday at United Methodist Church, 828 Caspers St. in Edmonds.
Schweitzer Loop is on the Mountain Loop Highway near Granite Falls.
This is a cross country event billed as “medium difficulty” with snowshoeing, too.
Over-The-Hill Hikers is a group for older adults who enjoy traveling trails and back roads. Bring your own gear and water and dress for the weather.
The hike costs $16 for nonmembers. For more information, call the center at 425-774-5555.
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We wrote Wednesday about Michelle Dietz-Date, who said her education at Scriber Lake High School, an alternative school in Lynnwood, nipped her wayward behavior in the bud.
She said she appreciated the staff and the friends she made at the school, where students take a different path to graduation.
Scriber teacher Chris Brown said the column was an inspiring shot in the arm for a teacher who came onto the Scriber scene probably a year or so after Dietz-Date graduated.
Sounds like Scriber still aims to inspire teens.
“Scriber is attempting to take a dozen or so students to Costa Rica this spring to work with endangered leatherback turtles and connect with indigenous peoples there,” Brown said. “Many of these students haven’t been out of our state, let alone the country. Most have never been on an airplane.”
For more information on making a donation, call Brown at 425-778-6559 or e-mail ac.brown3@verizon.net.
Kristi O’Harran: 425-339-3451, oharran@heraldnet.com.
