May 19th,
2020
Senior Celebration Survey

Hey Seniors. The Ballard Performing Arts Boosters is recognizing the talents and sacrifices of the graduating class of 2020 in Band, Orchestra, Choir, or Theatre. You've put hard work into the program and though this year didn't turn out how we planned, we want you to know how much we appreciate you. Please click this link and fill out the survey ASAP to be included. Don't miss your chance to be recognized in upcoming Ballard Performing Arts newsletters and social media for our Senior Celebration series.  
NYC Refund Info for Seniors

BPA has issued refunds for the canceled New York trip. If you paid online, refunds are through PayPal. This refund may take up to 5 days. Cash or check payments are being refunded with checks. A trip cancellation fee/penalty of $119.95 for students and chaperones is being deducted from the refund by our travel agent . Online payments over 180 days old could not be refunded through Paypal, and we will mail a check.

Our travel agent worked very hard to receive as much money as possible back from the vendors and we are grateful for his efforts. If you have any questions, please contact:    bpabtreasurer@gmail.com

Orchestra Information

Current Symphonic Orchestra, Concert Orchestra, and Chamber Orchestra Non-Seniors: your auditions will occur as a playing test submitted to Schoology by Wednesday, May 20th.


Ms. Fortune and a team of students and helpers are planning on an end of the year on-line awards ceremony and celebration. Please stay tuned for more details, but also continue to reserve the concert time of Tuesday, June 2 nd , at 7:30 p.m. for when this event will take place. Also, parents interested in volunteering for this event and other plans that are in the works for honoring our amazing orchestra seniors, please reach out by email to Beth Fortune:   eafortune@seattleschools.org
Band Information

Wind Ensemble Accepted to Perform in Chicago in 2021
There are many uncertainties regarding the next school year and the events that can occur. However, Mr. James is moving forward with his plans for the Wind Ensemble to perform at the Chicago International Music Festival at the Chicago Symphony Center in April 2021. The exact dates are April 10th-14th which lines up with spring break. The trip will include a concert by the Chicago Symphony Orchestra, a concert by the Northshore Concert Band, a visit to Northwestern University, visits to various museums and exhibits, and the Wind Ensemble performance at Chicago Symphony Center. More details to come in the weeks ahead.
 
Audition Information

Concert Band - All incoming Freshmen wind players are automatically placed into this class. There is no audition necessary to enroll in the Concert Band.   

Symphonic Band and Wind Ensemble – Freshmen may audition for these bands if they would like to. Please make sure you can play all 12 major scales. 
All Students: Make sure to fill out and attach or include the completed “Audition Info Sheet” with your videos.

Symphonic and Wind Ensemble auditions are due by Sunday, May 24th, either submitted as a video to Schoology or sent a link to mijames@seattleschools.org . Please note that some instruments are more competitive than others due to the number of students in the program who play that instrument. This year, the competitive instruments are trumpet, alto saxophone, and trombone.

Jazz Band auditions are due by Friday, June 5th, either submitted as a video to Schoology or sent as a link to mijames@seattleschools.org . Make sure to fill out and attach or include the completed “Jazz Band Audition Info Sheet” with your videos.







Jazz II Students  - Spots are still available for free online lessons with Trevor Parrish. Sign up  here .
Percussion Students  - Spots are still available for free online lessons with Denali Williams. Sign up  here .

 A GiveBig THANKS

To all who donated this year to help us reach our goal of $10,000, thank you. 
100% of the donations will go to support the outstanding music and theatre programs here at BHS. This money will allow our directors to start off the next school year strong. The Ballard Performing Arts Boosters are grateful for your generosity and community support.

Next Year's BPA Board
We are working hard to fill all our open positions. Are you interested in helping out? We have jobs that require a small amount of time and also larger jobs. Most positions are shared so you don't have to go it alone. Contact  ballardperformingarts@gmail.com   for more information. A list of open positions will be coming next week.

Syttende Mai
Relive the memories of previous Syttende Mai parades with this newsletter .   A shout out to BPA alum parents Diane and James Taylor for all their work at collecting and preserving BPA history in photos and videos. We hope to be marching in the parade next year.

One Question Survey
During these challenging times, there is concern that some school districts may consider cutting budgets and/or eliminating performing arts classes if schools continue to be on-line only. Several of the local college choral music professors are meeting to work on advocacy for school music programs during this time. UW Music Education Advocacy group is collecting data in a one question survey. It is The Choral COVID Advocacy Study and is open to all performing arts students and families. While we are not currently concerned about the state of our programs at Ballard, we support this effort and encourage you to take a minute and add your voice.
 
Summer Camps
Have you heard of any summer camps that are happening this summer? We are compiling a list with updated Covid-19 related information. Please send any camp info to  ballardperformingarts@gmail.com .


Thank You To Our Sponsors:
Interested in becoming a BPA Sponsor?
Contact Nanette at BPABC_corp@yahoo.com to learn about levels and benefits
Ballard Performing Arts
 Ballard Performing Arts Booster Club
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