Now that summer vacation is in full swing — families may still be looking for ways to keep the kids busy. Two compilations of area activities — at local community centers, libraries, and other facilities in the West Seattle, White Center, and South Park areas — have just been distributed, and they are in such an easy-to-read format, we wanted to share them with you here. Here’s the list for under-12’s; here’s the list for teens. And if you have a musically inclined teen in the family – we have a separate invitation, from the All-City Band:

You’ve probably seen the group (in those distinctive green polo shirts) marching in Seattle summertime parades, including the West Seattle Grand Parade that American Legion Post 160 will be presenting exactly one month from tomorrow. The All-City Band – directed by Denny Middle School‘s renowned music director Marcus Pimpleton — has its first rehearsal tonight – just show up, no audition required. Here are the full details — including a side note about how to book the All-City Band for events, if you need a pep/marching band:

Seattle Schools All City Band is actively welcoming new members to join our ranks. The band is composed of 9th-12th grade students from over 15 different schools in the greater Seattle area. Students come together each summer to perform in this marching band which has been a staple of Seattle ‘s summer celebrations since 1951. All City Band performs in upwards of 16-20 parades and community events during a six week period, entertaining hundreds of thousands of people each summer.

We have no auditions for membership; all we ask is that members are enthusiastic about being a part of a group where everyone wants to be there, and are committed to trying their best. Our talented staff of college and university band members, all former members of the All-City Band themselves, will work with you to teach you everything you need to know to be successful, and help you to take your musicianship and showmanship to next level.

Students participating in the All-City Band program can earn a .5 high school credit which can be applied to either fine arts or physical education. More importantly, our program provides students with a great way to maintain their musicianship during the summer months.

Additionally we are constantly looking for new events to add to our schedule including corporate pep bands to raise funds to support our program and transportation costs. Should you need a pep or marching band for a corporate event, wedding, private party, or any other event, please do not hesitate to contact us.

Feel free to explore our website, www.seattleschools.org/area/allcityband/index.dxml, and if there are any unanswered questions, do not hesitate to contact our director, Marcus Pimpleton, Denny Middle School music director, at (206) 252-8993 for more information.

Rehearsals start at 6:30 pm on Wednesday, June 18 (tonight!), at Memorial Stadium.

Band members develop a great sense of pride, share the experience of being a part of a great group of young people, and return to their school bands as better and more enthusiastic participants. Come to our first rehearsal to learn more about our program and consider becoming a part of the All City Band family. It’s a blast!