Capitol Hill and the Central District are blessed with extraordinary student musicians. The Garfield High School jazz band, for example, frequently makes appearances in our weekly entertainment and event listings.
Another student music troupe makes an important contribution to life on the Hill as a sure sign of the early stages of Seattle spring.
There it is again. Another session of “When the Saints Go Marching In” echoing through the streets of Capitol Hill’s neighborhoods east of Volunteer Park. Thank the St. Joseph’s School 6th and 7th grade marching band and their weekday afternoon practices just above Capitol Hill’s 19th Ave E.
Or don’t. Like other signs of spring that sometimes become irrationally irritating, the over and over again Saints blared by trombone and trumpet can easily equal the annoyance of a too-chirpy March robin for anybody living in earshot. But, like with the robin, most sane people will slow down, take a breath and remind themselves to try to enjoy the passing of the seasons on Capitol Hill. Take it from the top, St. Joe’s.
The work of the marchers will culminate later this month as the band takes to the streets of downtown Seattle for the annual St. Patrick’s Day parade. You can cheer them on this year, Saturday, March 16th. Or not.
I loved being in Mr. Boyle’s chorus when I was @ St. Joseph’s in the 80’s (we didn’t have a marching band back then). Too bad, these kids will have to wait ’til they’re in college to share the joy of playing “Tequilla”, Seattle highschools banned the song in the 90’s. #D.A.R.E.
A shame.
As a parent of one of the students in the band, I was excited to hear a local “news” outlet was taking the time to visit them and write an article. This band consists of sixth graders (not sixth and seventh as reported here) who are, for the most part, picking up instruments for the first time in their lives, and the encouragement such an article could provide for these kids could have been invaluable. Imagine my chagrin as I read the cheap shots and witty comments assailing these new musicians talent. Studies have shown that children who take an interest in the musical arts are able to excel in other fields of study, including math & others. Way to squash the excitement that this article generated in the kids. You really ought to be proud.
I’m sad you’ve taken this so negatively. As anybody who has been in the area around this time of year can attest, the sound of the band is part of the area’s fabric. We tried to capture that above. You’ve taken a very negative view of it. Sorry to offend.
I’ve re-read this post about 100 times now after getting David’s comment. I see that we could have spelled something out that might help David understand the post — we love the band and, like spring birds, love hearing them.
I may have heard a teacher voice something like “I usually shut my window as soon as I hear them start.”. Like you said, it’s the first time for most of them. Those of us without children in the band have the right to be annoyed. Don’t worry though, It’s cute. I’m sure they’ll get better, if they stick with it.