Celebrating Music in Our Schools Month: Hilder Pearson and Suquamish Elementary's Journey with Link Up: The Orchestra Moves

March is Music in Our Schools Month, a time to celebrate the significance of music education in schools and its impact on students. This year, Hilder Pearson Elementary and Suquamish Elementary School embarked on a musical journey highlighting their students' talents and the power of community and collaboration in education. These schools participated in the Link Up: The Orchestra Moves program, conducted in partnership with the Seattle Symphony, which demonstrated how music can truly move us.

"The Orchestra Moves" is a program offered by Carnegie Hall's Weill Music Institute's Link Up initiative. This nationwide initiative aims to connect students in grades 3 through 5 with local orchestras. Through this program, students learn to play an instrument, learn a collection of songs., and eventually perform with a professional orchestra. This hands-on approach enhances students' understanding of music and nurtures their creative and cognitive development.

The North Kitsap Schools Foundation sponsorship enabled Hilder Pearson Elementary and Suquamish Elementary students to engage with the Seattle Symphony at Benaroya Hall. Students collaborated to compose a song, which the talented musicians of the Seattle Symphony performed. The performance was a great example of how these students turned their creative ideas into music. This program highlighted their musical talents and allowed them to experience the magic of live performance with a professional orchestra, a pinnacle moment in their musical journey.

A key feature of the program was the chance for students to audition and perform onstage, with 25 students from Hilder Pearson Elementary seizing this unique opportunity. Performing alongside the Symphony, these students demonstrated their dedication and skills, making it a memorable experience. The program's focus on active participation, through playing recorders, singing, and body percussion, further enriched this educational endeavor. This initiative celebrated the students' musical achievements. It emphasized the unifying power of music, marking a significant milestone in their academic and musical development.

As we celebrate Music in Our Schools Month, the experiences of Hilder Pearson Elementary and Suquamish Elementary with "Link Up: The Orchestra Moves" underscore the critical role of music education in fostering creativity, collaboration, and community connection among students. Their journey with the program showcases the powerful impact of providing youth with opportunities to explore and express their musical talents, serving as a beacon of inspiration and unity through music.