Mark your calendars and join us!

Town Hall: School Funding Crisis

Wednesday, January 8th, 2025

7:00-8:30 PM at Sammamish High School (100 140th Ave SE, Bellevue WA 98005)

School districts across the state are facing budgetary crises because funding from the state has not kept pace with operating costs. Our district is dedicated to maintaining programs like sports, arts, and other important components of our district that our community prizes, but there is only so much they can do in the face of inadequate state funding. This is why we are partnering with numerous other districts: PTA, parents, teachers, district administrators, school board officials, to come together and ask our legislators to meet their constitutional obligation and fund the actual cost of education. It is essential that we have as many parents joining us as possible, as the legislature is facing its own budget crisis and will not be motivated to make these funds available without significant advocacy. Please join us and preserve the programs that we value! Please circulate this flyer among your parents/constituents, and please urge them to attend! 

We need YOU and we need your voice!

Schools across our state are in a budget crisis, as our state fails to pay the actual cost of education. Join us to learn more and tell our legislators we want our schools fully funded. When enough parents speak up, we will be able to prevent the cuts / closures that so many of our Eastside districts are facing. 

For questions please contact: advocacy@miptacouncil.org 

Seattle Symphony Principal Trombonist Ko-ichiro Yamamoto to Lead Masterclass at Mercer Island High School

The Mercer Island High School band program is excited to announce that Ko-ichiro Yamamoto, principal trombonist of the Seattle Symphony, will present a masterclass for MIHS band students during Islander Hour and 6th period on Wednesday, November 13. This unique opportunity will allow students to learn directly from one of the world’s most respected trombonists, known for his exceptional talent and international experience.

During the masterclass, Mr. Yamamoto who has performed with The New York Philharmonic Orchestra, Metropolitan Opera, and the Tokyo Kosei Wind Orchestra to name a few, will share insights into technique, performance, and musical expression, providing students with guidance to elevate their musical skills and deepen their appreciation for instrumental performance.

“We are thrilled to be able to offer our students this valuable experience with such an accomplished musician, and are grateful to the Mercer Island Band Boosters for making the event possible,” said parker Bixby, band director. “Mr. Yamamoto’s masterclass will be an inspiring opportunity for students to grow and develop their passion for music.”

14 MIHS Band Students Selected for Prestigious 2024 Western International Band Clinic Honor Bands

October 18, 2024 – Mercer Island, WA – Mercer Island High School (MIHS) proudly announces that 14 of its talented band students have been selected to participate in the prestigious 2024 Western International Band Clinic (WIBC) Honor Bands. Additionally, three MIHS students have been chosen as alternates for this distinguished event, which brings together top young musicians from across the region.The students will have the extraordinary opportunity to work with renowned conductors and perform challenging repertoire alongside some of the finest high school musicians in the Western United States and beyond. The event, held in Seattle from November 22-25, 2024, is a hallmark of excellence in high school band music.“We are incredibly proud of these students,” said Parker Bixby, MIHS Band Director. “Their dedication, talent, and hard work have earned them this exceptional opportunity to represent MIHS on a larger stage. The Western International Band Clinic is known for its high-level performances, fostering collaboration among musicians, and providing invaluable educational experiences. MIHS students will have the chance to work with some of the most respected names in the music education world and perform in a culminating concert.

See the list of participating students below:

Jens Aoyama - Flute

Henry Barnes - French Horn

Denis Batalov - Alto Sax

Brielle Cai - Flute

Owen Clarkson - Trombone

Derek Hsi - Trombone

Hanzi Hu - French Horn

Eva Jantos - Trombone

Leo Le - Baritone

Oliver Lee - Trombone

Rowan Porteus - Bassoon

Ethan Savage - Trumpet

Angie Wang - Alto Sax

George Wu - Flute 

Alternates:

Ryunosuke Masuda

Kavya Mraldhar

Jibran Qadeer