West Seattle, Washington

16 Saturday

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month : 02/2011 317 results

Update: Orcas pass West Seattle again; photos!
February 22, 2011 1:27 pm
|      18 COMMENTS
 |   Seen at sea | West Seattle news | Wildlife

(Photo added 6:20 pm, taken by Jon from state ferry near Southworth – more to be added)
ORIGINAL 1:27 PM REPORT: From Orca Network, a report that the Bainbridge-Seattle ferry spotted “a lot of orcas” off Alki Point less than half an hour ago, heading south. Looking waterward, we see a big group of small boats in mid-Sound off South Bainbridge/North Blake Island – can’t tell if they’re following whales, though. Let us know if you see ’em! (P.S. And if you love orcas, don’t miss The Whale Trail‘s special event @ Duwamish Longhouse this Thursday night – details here.)

6:21 PM: Jon shared photos he took from near Southworth – THANKS!

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Update: West Seattle snow? Showers today, maybe heavier snow tomorrow
February 22, 2011 12:33 pm
|      23 COMMENTS
 |   West Seattle news | West Seattle weather

ORIGINAL 12:33 PM REPORT: The National Weather Service has us under a Winter Storm Watch as of midmorning (read it here), and weather analyst Cliff Mass is just out with his take, which begins ominously (or cheerily, if you are a snow fan): “Folks, this is serious.” Unsettled weather is continuing as we speak – watching Twitter, brief sleet/hail/snow-type showers have cropped up this past hour from Ballard to Silverdale – but the major snow threat kicks in tomorrow morning, according to the NWS. Updates to come!

1:37 PM UPDATE: A few flakes are flurrying here in Upper Fauntleroy at the moment. (And a few minutes later – it’s picking up a bit.)

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From the creative-gardening department: Seola’s planted pothole
February 22, 2011 11:43 am
|      10 COMMENTS
 |   Gardening | Transportation | West Seattle news

Dawnelle just shared this photo, explaining:

Someone planted spring flowers in our long-term pothole here on Seola Beach Drive SW! I doubt that the pothole patrol will ever fix it, it’s been there for a couple of years now. Looks nice, huh?

We’re not sure whose jurisdiction the planted pothole’s in – Seattle, Burien, and unincorporated King County all have shares of that general area – but, for those within city boundaries, here’s the latest on the pothole-repair picture.

ADDED 12:56 PM: Heard back from Dawnelle, who says this is on the city side.

WEDNESDAY MORNING NOTE: Dawnelle says in comments that the pothole-repair crew showed up this morning.

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Earthquake wake-up call: Be prepared, and know your nearest Hub
February 22, 2011 10:55 am
|      1 COMMENT
 |   Preparedness | Safety | West Seattle news


View West Seattle Emergency Communication Hubs in a larger map

We had been planning a reminder story about this anyway, given that next Monday is the 10th anniversary of the big Nisqually earthquake, but New Zealand’s deadly quake brings the point home again, and an immediate reminder seems in order: Quakes strike without warning; they strike big cities as well as small villages. Don’t put off preparedness thinking you’ll “get around to it.” Do realize that the official agencies, like police and fire, will be so busy/overwhelmed, it’s not wise to expect they will reach you immediately and/or be able to tell/show you what to do. (This page explains that further.)

In West Seattle, we are lucky to have dedicated volunteers who, as reported here over the past three years, are working to help make sure we’re all able to help each other, and ourselves, in some semblance of an organized manner even in case of mega-catastrophe. A key component of the effort: The West Seattle Neighborhood Emergency Communication Hubs – now nine in number, and located on the Google map above (which is taken from the West Seattle Be Prepared website). If you’ve missed previous coverage – these are nine places (and yes, they’d love to have more, but more volunteer power is needed) around West Seattle where you will be able to go to get and share information in case disaster takes out all the regular channels. Know your nearest hub; make sure your family does, too. And have your disaster kits ready – at home, in your car (note that the New Zealand quake struck in the middle of a busy workday, as did, for that matter, the Nisqually quake). Here are some hints from 3 Days, 3 Ways. You can also go to this WSB archive to browse our coverage (newest-to-oldest) of local preparedness efforts – drills, and the daily tips we ran during Preparedness Month last April (more ahead this year, but don’t wait till April to be ready!).

P.S. Preparedness efforts for yourself and your family are priority 1 – but if you can devote time/effort beyond that, get involved with West Seattle Be Prepared; contact info is here.

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West Seattle Tuesday: Transportation – where’s it going? Plus: 911
February 22, 2011 9:29 am
|      6 COMMENTS
 |   West Seattle news | WS miscellaneous

(Photo by Pye42, from the West Seattle Blog Flickr photo pool)
From the WSB West Seattle Events calendar – Bikes? Buses? Trains? Cars? Feet? Or? Tonight, Sustainable West Seattle‘s monthly community forum tackles transportation, and where it’s going. And as previewed here last week, the panel includes SDOT’s director Peter Hahn and the West Seattle-residing City Councilmember who chairs the Transportation Committee, Tom Rasmussen. Be at the Senior Center of West Seattle (enter off Oregon, east of California), 7 pm … Also tonight, another perennially hot topic: Calling 911 – when to call, what to say, what if it doesn’t sound like you’re being taken seriously? The West Seattle Blockwatch Captains Network hosts guests from King County 911 and SPD, and reiterate that ALL are invited, not just blockwatch captains/participants – be at the Southwest Precinct meeting room (off Webster west of Delridge), 6:30 pm … Historian and community advocate Ron Richardson will be remembered at 2 pm today, The Hall at Fauntleroy (9141 California SW) … A brown-bag talk on “developing personal safety nets” is set for 11:30 am today at Alki Arts (2820 Alki SW); call 206-659-0665 to register … Enjoy writing/telling stories? Tonight is Writers and Tellers night at two venues in White Center/West Seattle – full details here … Free live music at Skylark Café and Club (3803 Delridge Way SW; WSB sponsor) tonight, four acts starting at 8 pm, listed on the Skylark calendar … More on our calendar!

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Neighborhood alert: Arrow turns up in Beach Drive-area backyard
February 22, 2011 12:23 am
|      24 COMMENTS
 |   Safety | West Seattle news

Every so often, we hear a “shots fired” report – sometimes it’s bullets, sometimes fireworks. But we can’t recall hearing about someone discovering an arrow, till now: A Beach Drive-area resident (5400 block of SW Edmunds; map) found a “full-size arrow” in the backyard on Monday morning. “Not sure what the deal is and we’re not concerned that we were targeted but we have two small dogs and that arrow would have definitely injured them as well as one of us had we been out in the backyard at the time it arrived. Don’t know when it was shot but suspecting it was after dark.” Main concern here is that “there are a lot of little kids and animals in our neighborhood,” so of course it’s been reported to police.

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West Seattle Weather Watch: A little snow, a little sleet …
February 21, 2011 10:28 pm
|      6 COMMENTS
 |   West Seattle news | West Seattle weather

The forecast and “special weather statements” warned it would get wintry – and it just did. Via Twitter, Diane reports 10 minutes of snow in Admiral. We got sleet – enough to briefly whiten the car top/hood and part of the street (iPhone photo at left) – here in Upper Fauntleroy. Kim says it was just rain in The Junction. The latest weather predictions suggest the best chance of bonafide snow is Wednesday night/Thursday. Here’s the newest “special weather statement” detailing the potential timeline; here’s the latest analysis, and some recent sightings, from Cliff Mass. And if you’re still confused about the difference between hail, sleet, graupel, snow, and other types of frozen precipitation – maybe this’ll help.

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Followup: ‘Clean Up Your Act, Seattle’ instigator needs you 3/5
February 21, 2011 10:07 pm
|      3 COMMENTS
 |   How to help | South Park | West Seattle news | White Center

Remember Michael Merta, whose anti-litter letter was published here three weeks ago? He’s mustered some support and is now – with one local leader’s encouragement – inviting you to join in a cleanup, among other things. Here’s his update:

About three weeks ago I wrote an open letter about the worsening problem of litter in the Seattle area. I’ve received many responses to that letter from other concerned citizens since then. I have still not heard back from any of the city, county, or WSDOT officials that I complained to, about their plans if any, to deal with the problem.

I have been contacted by King County Councilman Joe McDermott’s office, and they have asked me to organize a cleanup through the Facebook page that I created around this issue.

The Councilman’s office has contacted Waste Management to provide support, tools, and supplies for the effort, and we are tentatively planning it for Saturday March 5th between 10 a.m. and 1 p.m. Please see the Facebook page for further details, or contact me at michaelmerta@hotmail.com

It is unclear to me, and it is also unclear to officials in Councilman McDermott’s office, just who is responsible for routine litter patrol, and in which areas of town. There may be areas where indeed, no agency is currently responsible. Since I first complained about this to the various agencies, there has been no litter removed from the sites I’ve identified. It seems as if our local government does not have the resources, or has not allocated the resources to solve this problem, so we as citizens need to figure something out here.

Obviously, one cleanup event cannot solve this problem. In my opinion, it’s going to take a comprehensive effort involving frequent citizen cleanups, state and local government organized cleanups, increased fines, and increased code enforcement. A kind of full-on campaign, we could call it “Keep Seattle Beautiful.” I’d like some help with getting such a campaign started. We could all start by writing about our concerns to our local politicians. mayormcginn.seattle.gov, Dow.Constantine@kingcounty.gov

In a city that prides itself on being “green” and environmentally friendly, it seems we have allowed plain old litter to make a comeback. Today, as I was driving across the First Avenue bridge (one of the areas I first complained about) I noticed someone decided to drop off an old couch on the side of the road (see photo above). Funny thing about litter, you leave it there and it seems to multiply.

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Fauntleroy tree ‘encroachment’: Reminder to check before cutting
February 21, 2011 9:45 pm
|      29 COMMENTS
 |   Fauntleroy | West Seattle news | West Seattle parks

Story and photos by Keri DeTore
Reporting for West Seattle Blog

Walking through Fauntleroy Park one day last fall, Steve Hodson was surprised to hear the sound of chainsaws. Walking toward the south ridge of the park, he came upon a tree-cutting company taking down trees and dropping the debris on a recently restored hillside, crushing the new vegetation.

Hodson, who has been a park steward for many years, pointed out to the tree-cutters that they were dropping debris on a newly restored site.

Read More

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Alki Statue of Liberty Plaza: Post-waves cleanup; bricks update
February 21, 2011 8:23 pm
|    Comments Off on Alki Statue of Liberty Plaza: Post-waves cleanup; bricks update
 |   Alki Statue of Liberty | How to help | West Seattle news

(Photo by Eilene Hutchinson)
Over the weekend, Alki’s David Hutchinson shared a photo of the debris tossed onto the Alki park and shore by the wild wind-whipped waves (second-to-last image here). Tonight, he sends word of a cleanup at the plaza – and the latest on brick sales, which help pay for maintenance:

Today, volunteers from the Alki Community Council removed sand and other materials deposited on the Alki Statue of Liberty Plaza by Saturday’s windstorm. The ACC agreement with Seattle Parks & Recreation makes a commitment to provide volunteer work parties to help with the maintenance of the Plaza. Parks will be replanting the landscape beds surrounding the Plaza in the coming months making use of funds from the sale of bricks and plaques the ACC has turned over to the City. Only 90 additional bricks are available and orders received by April 1st will be installed by Parks in late May or early June. Orders received after that date will be installed in the fall. Go to www.sealady.org or e-mail libertyplaza@msn.com for additional information.

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West Seattle schools: Hope Lutheran’s tournament success
February 21, 2011 3:52 pm
|      2 COMMENTS
 |   West Seattle news | West Seattle schools

(Hope Lutheran’s first-place drama team; photo from Facebook, used with permission)
Another West Seattle school with something to celebrate: Hope Lutheran School is back from its annual trip to the regional Lutheran Elementary Schools Tournament (LEST) in Portland, a three-day competition in sports, arts, and more, with some big honors. For one, Hope won the Service Award for its recent food drive (here’s the recap published here) – 7,100 pounds of food collected for local food banks, more than a third of the entire total of all participating schools! Hope also won the Drama Award, first place for “The Audition.” Individual achievements included Alex Okabayashi, 2nd place in spelling among fifth-graders, chess players Isaiah Dowding Albrecht (4th place for sixth-graders) and Ryan Okabayashi (5th place for seventh-graders), and more:

Music Blue Ribbon performances
– Hope Vocal Ensemble (video here)
– Aaron Abeyta – clarinet
– Cooper Honeyman – piano
– Kassandra Krohn – piano
– Samantha Hood – vocal

Swimming
– Taylor Phelps Young – 4th place 25-yard freestyle, 4th place 25 yard backstroke
– Haley Beebe – 4th place 50 yard breaststroke, 5th place 50 yard freestyle
– Lanee Hagen – 2nd place 50 yard freestyle, 5th place 50 yard backstroke

Art Award
– Gratia Doerr
– Sean Glavin
– Tyler Ayala-Turner
– Abby Fitzpatrick

Thanks to Mike Jensen for sharing the Hope LEST recap; 19 schools from five states participated this year.

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West Seattle Crime Watch: Road-rage witness request, and more
February 21, 2011 11:48 am
|      19 COMMENTS
 |   Crime | West Seattle news

Three West Seattle Crime Watch reports to share this morning – including a call for witnesses to a reported case of “road rage” – read on:Read More

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West Seattle safety: Signal ‘warranted’ for Avalon/Yancy/30th
February 21, 2011 10:16 am
|      28 COMMENTS
 |   Safety | Transportation | West Seattle news

The narrow-Y intersection of Avalon, Yancy, and 30th, south of the Luna Park business district (map), has long been a frustration, and danger, to pedestrians, bicyclists, drivers, and bus riders. But there’s a glimmer of hope. A resident who’s been talking with the city about getting a signal there, Liz Johnson, sent first word that the city agrees the intersection needs help. Liz shared this from city traffic engineer Valerie Lee:

SDOT recently completed a signal warrant study for the intersection of SW Avalon Way, 30th Avenue SW and SW Yancy Street. The study results showed this intersection met the MUTCD* manual signal warrant 1.

SDOT will put this location on our warranted signals location list. Every year, more signals are warranted than we have funding to build. Towards the end of each year, all warranted locations compete for the following years’ new signal fund.

At the end of 2011, SDOT will consider the traffic volume, pedestrian volume, and collision history as well as the cost of the signal to determine which of the warranted locations will receive a new signal in 2012.

*The MUTCD is the Manual on Uniform Traffic Control Devices, a federal document that defines the national standard for municipalities to follow when installing any traffic control devices.

We checked with SDOT about the length of the waitlist; Marybeth Turner from the communications team tells WSB, “Our Traffic Management Division reports that we now have 15 traffic signals on the list. We are usually able to install 2 to 4 new signals each year, depending on the funding available.” This is the same intersection that got pedestrian flags almost three years ago. (P.S. For comments, the city has this e-mail address: traffic.signals@seattle.gov)

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West Seattle Weather Watch: Be on the lookout for snow showers
February 21, 2011 7:54 am
|      11 COMMENTS
 |   West Seattle news | West Seattle weather

(Photo by Mark Pierson)
It didn’t happen last time – but just in case it does this time, you should know the National Weather Service issued another “special weather statement” late last night warning about the chance of snow showers this week. Cold air and incoming systems suggest this might happen any time between tonight and Thursday, and snow or no snow, it’s going to be cold, with lows possibly in the 20s Tuesday, Wednesday, and Thursday nights.

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Video: ‘Soul Jambalaya’ talent feast, for (and with) Denny students
February 20, 2011 10:58 pm
|      4 COMMENTS
 |   West Seattle news | West Seattle schools | WS culture/arts

If you weren’t among the 200 or so people in the Chief Sealth International High School auditorium Saturday night, you missed something truly breathtaking in the three-hour, multi-act “Soul Jambalaya” event, a celebration of African-American history (musical and otherwise) to benefit Denny International Middle School musicians. We were there from start to finish, recording video so you can enjoy (or re-enjoy) highlights. Our top clip is the show-opener, the entire Denny-student-performed “The Stolen Ones and How They Were Missed” by Marcia Tate Arunga, explained in this story by Jack Broom from the Seattle Times (WSB partner). From Denny principal Jeff Clark‘s morning-after note today:

I was so proud of the students who performed the scene from our play based on the book, The Stolen Ones and How They Were Missed by Marcia Tate Arunga. Ms. Tate Arunga — and the many talented artists she brought with her — did a beautiful job working with our students and community; we are very grateful for their time and many talents. Thank you also to Ms. Patricia Rangel, who coordinated all the details of this play so effectively.

Under the direction of Denny music-program leader Marcus Pimpleton, who put together “Soul Jambalaya,” the Denny Jazz Band wowed the crowd too:

Pimpleton also leads the band program at Sealth, whose Jazz Band 2 was featured as well – here’s one of their numbers (with soloists identified at the end of the clip):

Sealth’s drummer guested with Septimus, a veteran Seattle group that was among the non-student acts on the bill:

Septimus was in reggae mode for that song, though they also played some blues; a pure reggae performer was on the program, too, even more reggae from Jamaican native Clinton Fearon:

And there were two stage-shaking, crowd-rousing gospel performances, too – including Seattle’s own Total Experience Gospel Choir, led by Pastor Pat Wright:

The brothers-and-sisters group Oliver Generations of Faith brought their own style to the Sealth stage:

While Marcus Pimpleton joked to the audience toward show’s end, “You got $10,000 worth of music,” admission was free, and voluntary donations were collected for Denny musicians’ upcoming California travel. (You can still donate – here’s where to send a check.) Two more acknowledgments from principal Clark’s post-show note:

I would like to express my sincere thanks to everyone who came last night to support the students at Denny and Sealth at our Soul Jambalaya event. The event was a huge success! …

This whole event was the creation of Mr. Marcus Pimpleton, who, as he always does, did a phenomenal job pulling together such a fantastic event. Mr. Pimpleton has a team of volunteers who help with set up, backstage, and with countless other things–thank you, volunteers. Last night, Mr. Pimpleton said, “This is what being an International School is all about.” I absolutely agree. Thank you, Mr. Pimpleton, for all that you do for our children, our school, and our community!

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@ Alki Community Council: Alki Art Fair plan; skyscraper signs
February 20, 2011 9:59 pm
|      4 COMMENTS
 |   Neighborhoods | West Seattle news

Story and photos by Karen Berge
Reporting for West Seattle Blog

Though the city budget cuts to Alki Community Center threatened the Alki Art Fair‘s future, as previously reported here, it’s expected now to continue – with volunteer power (and that means you!).

That’s one of the biggest items discussed this past Thursday night at the monthly meeting of the Alki Community Council. City Council President Richard Conlin was there too – his first of two West Seattle visits in a three-day span – as were Southwest Precinct police leaders, who discussed crime trends as well as police-staffing plans for Alki this summer. Read on for details:Read More

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Presidents Day tomorrow: Bus changes, no Water Taxi, more
February 20, 2011 5:31 pm
|      2 COMMENTS
 |   Holidays | West Seattle news

In case you’re not off tomorrow and forget it’s a holiday (Presidents Day) – there are some changes. Metro will be on reduced weekday service; the King County Water Taxi and its shuttles won’t be running at all (West Seattle OR Vashon); most government offices/facilities are closed, as are most (if not all) banks. Most state liquor stores, however, are open. If you’re going someplace in the city with metered street parking, tomorrow it’s free. Schools are closed (many, including all Seattle Public Schools, have the whole week off). But if you have Monday trash/recycling/yard waste (etc.) pickup, Seattle Public Utilities says everything is normal tomorrow (no changes for Sound Transit or state ferries, either).

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Happening now: Rock ‘n’ roll auction for animals at The Feedback
February 20, 2011 3:52 pm
|      1 COMMENT
 |   How to help | Pets | West Seattle news

Weary of wandering in the sunshine? Duck into the Feedback Lounge (WSB sponsor) and put in a bid on rock ‘n’ roll memorabilia – as the live “Vinyl Countdown 3” auction continues till 5 pm. It’s a benefit for the Animal Aid and Rescue Foundation, and The Feedback’s website promises “a plethora of vintage vinyl, rock memorabilia, posters, shirts, 45s, and more!” 6451 California SW, in Morgan Junction. (P.S. If you didn’t, or can’t, make it to the auction, there’s another way to help – here’s the latest list of critters that AARF is trying to find “forever homes” for.)

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Your next chance to learn the do’s and don’ts of calling 911
February 20, 2011 2:02 pm
|      5 COMMENTS
 |   Crime | Safety | West Seattle news

If you see or suspect anything suspicious, call 911. You’ve heard that from local police leaders time and time again. Yet there’s still confusion about when to call, or even concern if it sounds like the 911 dispatcher isn’t taking you seriously. So here’s another chance to hear from the experts – and ask your questions – at Tuesday night’s West Seattle Blockwatch Captains Network meeting (note, EVERYONE is welcome):

When should I call 9-1-1? What should I say? Can I text 9-1-1? What do I do if they don’t take me seriously? What happens after I hang up? Should I call even if I think someone else has already called?

The February meeting of the West Seattle Blockwatch Captains’ Network will focus on the 9-1-1 system. Our guest speaker will be Kayreen Lum from King County 9-1-1. She will cover 9-1-1 basics, how to use it effectively, explain how the information is processed through the system and discuss future technologies. Our own CPT Officer, Jonathan Kiehn, will also be there to add his perspective and field questions about what the police do with information from a 9-1-1 call.

We invite everyone throughout the SW Precinct (even if you aren’t a Blockwatch Captain) to attend and improve your skills!

Tuesday, February 22, 2011, 6:30-8 PM
SW Police Precinct, 2300 SW Webster Street (at Delridge, next to Home Depot)

Find out more about WSBWCN at its website and/or on Facebook.

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Followup: New information about West Seattle-bound The Sneakery
February 20, 2011 11:59 am
|      9 COMMENTS
 |   West Seattle businesses | West Seattle news

Late Friday night, capping a busy week of new-and-moving-business news, we reported that The Sneakery, a Ballard shoe store, is expanding to West Seattle, in the space at 4736 California SW that was long home to Liberty Bell Printing (which moved to a storefront-less location two months ago). We also sent an inquiry to the store’s owner, hoping to get some timetable information, and just heard back. Owner Drea tells WSB “… the space is going to take a lot of work to get up and running. Look for us to open sometime in May. We will be offering old-school sneakers from Saucony Originals, Adidas, Puma, PF Flyers and more. Plus, we will have an extensive sock selection. We are pleased as punch to be serving the people of West Seattle!”

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West Seattle Crime Watch: Mystery find; vandalism; stolen bike
February 20, 2011 8:41 am
|      4 COMMENTS
 |   Crime | West Seattle news

Recognize any of that? It turned up night before last on Cheryl’s parking strip – left there while she was away for just a few hours. It appears to be the interior of a Honda. That’s one of three West Seattle Crime Watch reports out of the WSB inbox … this next one is from Howard:

Just wanted to let you guys know that sometime (Friday) night, our Nissan Xterra’s back window was smashed. It looks like it was a random act of vandalism because nothing was stolen, they didn’t even to attempt to open up any doors. The car was parked on the street in front of my house at 29th Ave SW and Cloverdale.

And from Adam via Twitter:

Bike theft, Hanford between 44th/45th this afternoon. Left my garage door open; when I came home around 6, my white Raleigh road bike was gone. … white Raleigh Record Ace with black custom fenders, head- and taillight.

Side note: Do you have a Block Watch? One last time before Southwest Precinct Crime Prevention Coordinator Benjamin Kinlow retires, he’s leading a blockwatch-captain training event that’s being organized by the West Seattle Blockwatch Captains’ Network. It’ll be on March 7; full details here.

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West Seattle Sunday: CD release @ Skylark, auction @ Feedback…
February 20, 2011 6:30 am
|      1 COMMENT
 |   West Seattle news | WS culture/arts | WS miscellaneous


Myspace music player

Clicking “play” will get you to a sampling of music for West Seattle native Trevor Ras, who plays Skylark Café and Club (WSB sponsor) tonight for his CD release party. 8 pm, $7 cover. (The new album – his second – is “Blue Sky,” and is on sale at West Seattle’s own Easy Street Records, by the way.) … This afternoon, it’s the annual rock ‘n’ roll live auction at Feedback Lounge (WSB sponsor), “Vinyl Countdown,” raising money for animal advocates, 2-5 pm (more info on The Feedback’s home page) … Want to help animals by giving a cat a new home? There’s an adoptathon noon-3 pm at Next to Nature in The Junction (4543 California SW) … Also in The Junction, a new farmer (with fresh goat and cow milk) and live music today at the West Seattle Farmers’ Market, 10 am-2 pm, plus the West Seattle Tool Library with a sewing demonstration, as previewed here, and the final performance of “Emilie” at ArtsWest, 3 pm (tickets available online. … A 2 pm matinee closes out this weekend’s run of “The New New News” at South Seattle Community College‘s Olympic Hall (details here) … More on the calendar!

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West Seattle students: Madison’s Lauren Estep in honor orchestra
February 20, 2011 4:25 am
|      13 COMMENTS
 |   West Seattle news | West Seattle schools

Madison Middle School teacher Clark Bathum shares news of a big achievement by one of his students: 12-year-old Lauren Estep, a seventh-grade violist, represented Madison by playing with the All-Northwest Junior Orchestra at the National Association for Music Education’s Northwest Division Conference in Bellevue this weekend. He shared this story with quotes from the young musician and her mom before the big event:

“This is a good moment for Lauren as a viola player,” says Alison Estep, Lauren’s mother. “I think she’s really going to enjoy playing with gung-ho instrumentalists coming from all over. It’s exciting for her. I really credit Lauren’s private teacher Laura Martin and her Madison orchestra teacher Mr. Bathum for supporting her completely and making this happen. She’s fortunate to be growing up as a musician with such devoted, kind, and talented teachers in her life. Sure, it’s been a lot of work for her to prepare for the audition and learn all the music but my hunch is she’ll get there and think it’s all been incredibly worthwhile.”

“I’m really excited. I’ve been counting the days,” says Lauren. “I feel kind of honored and it’s taken a lot of practicing to get ready for it because there’s so much music. Mr. Bathum and Mike Watson have really helped me. They’re the reason I got into this. Hopefully some other kids will try and have the opportunity next year at Madison.”

The All-Northwest Junior Orchestra is made up of top middle-school musicians from Alaska, Idaho, Montana, Oregon, Washington and Wyoming. This is a major honor for Madison. The orchestra is a very tight group and the other orchestra students here are really proud of Lauren’s accomplishment.

We have a lot of talented and hard working musicians in the Madison music program. Hopefully Lauren’s success will help show others in the band and orchestra program to realize that they are on par with the best young musicians around. Congratulations, Lauren.

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