WV’s Wind Ensemble wins academic award
West Valley High School’s Wind Ensemble earned a distinguished award for academic excellence earlier this week from the Washington Interscholastic Activities Association.
The group of about 45 students had an average GPA of 3.2 during its first semester, the school district announced.
Educators honored for dedication to music
The Spokane Symphony is honoring East Valley High School teacher Marla Pflanz with its Outstanding Music Teacher Award.
Pflanz is the school’s orchestra teacher and director of the Strolling Strings group.
She was nominated by six people including teachers and former students, said Janet Napolis, education manager. She’ll be honored at a Feb. 24 concert at 3 p.m. at Martin Woldson Theater at The Fox.
The symphony also honored Northwood Middle School Principal Dave Stenersen with an Outstanding Arts Advocate Administrator Award, for his support of the school music program.
He’ll be honored at the symphony’s upcoming concert as well, Napolis said.
The winning essay in the symphony’s student essay contest will be published in The Voice on Thursday.
West Valley musicians excel at competition
West Valley High School’s Percussion Ensemble earned a superior rating at last week’s Solo and Ensemble competition.
The score is equivalent to a gold medal, district spokeswoman Sue Shields said.
The ensemble placed second and is an alternate for state, Shields said, a spot that was awarded to Central Valley High School’s Percussion Ensemble.
Their band director is Jim Loucks.
Superior ratings:
Percussion Ensemble – D.D. Cloy, Rayanne Spang. Alex Stutzman, Meredith Thompson;
Woodwind Duet – Suzy Prichard and Molly Wachtel;
Saxophone Duet – Kelly Clinton and Connor Gore;
Flute Duet – Hannah Dedera and Oryanna Weidner.
Excellent ratings:
Flute Solo – Stephy Leberman;
Contralto Clarinet Solo – Kayla DeVleming;
Baritone Saxophone Solo – Thomas Rice;
Clarinet Trio – Andrea Barlow, Ivy Fanto and Emma Porter;
Woodwind Duet – Bailey Nelson and Dallas Paulsen;
Percussion Duet – Dylan Schmidt and Austin Snell;
Percussion Ensemble – Cody Carlson, D.D. Cloy, Kayla DeVleming, Joey Hoffer, Ashton Hyndman, Katie Jackson, Xander McMinn, Rayanne Spang and Morgan Ulbright.
Good rating:
Brass Quartet – Alisha Buffkin, Katya Clevett, Garret Kenney, Ashley Meyer.
Pioneer kindergartners color Valentine hearts
The kindergartners at Pioneer School were inspired by the coloring contest they saw in The Spokesman-Review. They created hearts to celebrate Valentine’s Day.
Pioneer School is a private K-5 school at 618 N. Sullivan Road.