Golden Apple Award for Denny/Sealth music’s Marcus Pimpleton

(Marcus Pimpleton directing CSIHS/WSHS musicians during last month’s Huling Bowl)
He is perhaps the most visible school-music leader in West Seattle – and he’s just won a big honor: KCTS has announced its latest list of “Golden Apple Awards,” and on the list of individual winners is Marcus Pimpleton, music director at Denny International Middle School and band director at adjacent Chief Sealth International High School, who also directs Seattle’s All-City Band. He’s the only West Seattle winner in this year’s awards, which will be presented at a ceremony next year; winners also receive a cash prize and will be profiled by Channel 9. Congratulations, Mr. Pimpleton!

ADDED 11:38 AM: We asked for his reaction, and here it is!

I am thankful to the parents who nominated me for this award and to KCTS and Pemco for the honor. It goes without saying that I am very proud of the work we are doing in the Denny and Sealth Music Programs as well as with the Seattle Schools All-City Band. I am excited about the opportunity that the KCTS Golden Apple Program provides to shine some light on our programs and students. None of the work we have engaged in would be possible if it were not for the high level of community support we have received, the parents who have volunteered and caught on to the vision of ensuring high level musical experiences and access to all students, the leadership of principals Jeff Clark and John Boyd who bought in to the vision for a 6-12 music pathway and had the conviction to lay the foundation for it, and most importantly the “buy in” of student leaders who commit themselves to participating in our student leadership programming and to mentoring peers and incoming students through our spring and midwinter break camps, our Junior All-City Band program, and in various other capacities too lengthy to mention here. It is with a great community of supporters that this award is shared. Thank you all.

12 Replies to "Golden Apple Award for Denny/Sealth music's Marcus Pimpleton"

  • Aman November 8, 2011 (11:38 am)

    Congratulations, Mr. Pimpleton. Well done! Thanks for your efforts.

  • Lori November 8, 2011 (12:38 pm)

    Way to go, Marcus! You deserve it. You are an amazing, wonderful teacher. Each of my three kids have been blessed by your presence in their lives, as a teacher and a friend. You are the best!

  • Alex Bond November 8, 2011 (12:59 pm)

    Marcus deserves this award 100%. I played for him for 2 years in the All-City Band and he was an excellent band director and great at working with the kids. He is a treasure and we are fantastically lucky to have him.

  • Suzanne November 8, 2011 (2:21 pm)

    Yay! He certainly deserves this award. I am constantly amazed by the dedication, commitment and passion he shows every single day. Thanks Marcus, and congratulations!

  • Kelly November 8, 2011 (3:26 pm)

    Hurrah!

  • breezygirl November 8, 2011 (5:42 pm)

    I went to high school (at Sealth!) with Marcus and I remember what an amazing and talented person he is! Way to go Marcus! You desrve it!

  • Elizabeth MacKenzie November 8, 2011 (6:01 pm)

    What a well deserved award! Band is the highlight of my daughter’s day and participation in Jr. All City Band was the highlight of her summer. The high enrollment of Denny Middle School students in the band program is testament to Mr. Pimpleton’s talents and dedication to youth.

  • Alisa November 8, 2011 (7:33 pm)

    Since we attended Denny Middle School, Marcus has always been dedicated to music. Senior band, jazz band, all city…he is truly amazing. Im happy to see he is teaching back at the schools he attended. I cannot think of anyone more deserving. Congrats Marcus!

  • Michelle Collyer November 9, 2011 (5:49 pm)

    For those of you who don’t know Mr. P., here’s an article from 2004 that gives the tiniest scratch to the surface of how remarkable he is.

    http://seattletimes.nwsource.com/html/education/2001878785_band14m.html

    My daughter was his pupil at Denny and went through six years of All City Band. Marcus was, and continues to be, one of the most positive forces in her life. Our family has deep love for him.

  • Martha MacKenzie November 13, 2011 (1:59 pm)

    Mr. Pimpleton is a great example. He includes all children, inspires each to do their best. It works.
    As a Grand-parent and a musician, it is great to go to a concert because you enjoy it, not because you have to be there to support a family member.

    Thanks Mr. P.

  • Robyn Collyer November 14, 2011 (12:04 pm)

    Mr. Pimpleton is a wonder — with talent, energy, organization and compassion for students. Over many years, I saw him educate, nuture and provide direction to kids, often going beyond the expected. My life is richer for knowing him and realizing what a truly remarkable person he is. He gave my granddaughter a grounding during those difficult middle and high school years, gave her a life-long love of music, and helped her to understand who she is today. Thanks and “way to go” Mr. P.

  • Nadene & Ced Paltep November 23, 2011 (7:04 pm)

    Mr. Pimpleton,

    CONGRATULATIONS! We are extremely excited for your success. You are a vision of remarkable talent. You truly inspire numerous students to believe that they can prosper and excel in the disciplines of The Arts, especially in music.
    I don’t how you are able to balance multiple schools in directing them with nothing but the best. You are an amazing person. Denny, Chief Sealth and all of Washington State are fortunate to have you.

    Again, congrats Mr. Pimpleton.

    ~Nadene & Ced Paltep

Sorry, comment time is over.