More student music festival success: Madison Middle School

| West Seattle news | West Seattle schools | WS culture/arts

We reported earlier this week on Denny Middle School‘s success at a music festival in Idaho last weekend – now, we have word from Madison Middle School music teacher Clark Bathum that Madison students’ trip to the same event was successful too:

Madison Middle School Music Department had a successful and fun-filled trip to the Music in the Parks Festival in Coeur D’Alene last weekend.

In the Middle School AA Division Madison Ensembles won:
String Orchestra: 1st place (Excellent Rating)
Jazz Band: 1st place (Superior Rating)
Concert Band: 2nd place (Excellent Rating)
Middle School/Jr High outstanding Jazz soloist Award: Patrick Gordon, Baritone Sax (this was the 7th straight year that the award went to a student from Madison)

Madison was also very proud to receive the Esprit De Corps award, which is given to one school at the Festival that best demonstrates “personal integrity, quality character values, and a desire for excellence.”

Click ahead for three more photos shared from the trip:

That’s the orchestra; next, the Jazz Band, followed by cellists:

By the way, you’re welcome to attend two concerts coming up at Madison: Jazz Band and String Orchestra: 7 pm next Tuesday (June 9), and the Concert Band, 7 pm Thursday, June 11, both in the school’s Commons.

Laura June 3, 2009 (3:18 pm)

As a parent of a Madison band member, I am so proud of these kids – how exciting for one school to have done so well in all categories, and to get a special award besides. They are also very fortunate to be under the leadership of Clark Bathum, a terrific instructor who brings out the best in all his students!

Slider June 3, 2009 (3:26 pm)

Mr Bathum ROCKS!

tammyw June 3, 2009 (3:47 pm)

What a great experience for all the middle school students in Band and Orchestra! I am so proud of them!

MargL June 3, 2009 (3:54 pm)

I love these stories of kids with a love of playing music! Congratulations to you and please keep playing so we have new generations of musicians to keep our community bands and orchestras going!

Susan June 3, 2009 (4:08 pm)

This is always an outstanding event for Madison. This is the second year in a row that Madison has received the Esprit De Corps award. Yea! They have been attending this event for years and bringing home awards for years. Thank you Mr. Bathum for leading such a wonderful music program and instilling in our kids an appreciation for music. I really do like your program.

star55 June 3, 2009 (4:16 pm)

Clark you rock!! Way to go big guy. You must be getting use to winning by now.

Annie June 3, 2009 (8:31 pm)

This year has been a great experience for me. So far, 6th grade has totally rocked! I absolutely loved the Idaho trip, and I feel that not only was it fun, but that I became more responsible along the way. We had to make sure we got up in time, had enough money for our food, made sure we ate our food instead of playing, made sure we got to the bus on time, etc. My friends and I had fun, and I am hoping to do it again next year.

Madison student June 3, 2009 (8:38 pm)

I am a student who went on this trip. It was a Blast!! This whole year was a blast! and I’m hoping for another great year to come, and I hope that future students will have as much fun as I had!! And thank you for all the great coments, and compliments!

Madison Parent June 4, 2009 (8:48 am)

The Music Program at Madison is amazing and Mr Bathum is an outstanding teacher/leader/role model to these students. The students attending the Idaho competition met every challenge placed in front of them and the awards they won show proof of that. I’m very happy that I was fortunate to witness these remarkable kids in action at this event. Kudos to them and Mr. Bathum.

chinook June 4, 2009 (9:17 pm)

WOO! We did awesome. Congrats to everyone. I’m sad that this was my last year. Good luck next year though.

mad person June 8, 2009 (2:47 pm)

i was going to go but i couldent !!!!!!!!
=c

Mikala June 13, 2009 (7:39 pm)

I had a BLAST!!! I am hoping that i could go next year to! I loved the trip to The Silverwood Theme Park except for the part that my friends made me go on tis one roller coaster and i started crying through the whole intire ride! It was so freaky!