For Incoming 9th Grade Garfield Music Families

A message from Jared Sessink (he/him), Director of Bands & Jazz, Garfield High School

As your family begins to register for 9th grade classes at Garfield, I wanted to reach out to introduce myself and share information about registering for Garfield music classes!

Garfield has a very long and rich music education history. Music has been a key part of the Garfield identity for several decades, and I am so excited to offer your student an opportunity to participate as we enter this new era of our school history.

How To Register For Band Class at Garfield:

Students and families will see multiple ensemble offerings in the course registration booklet. All incoming 9th grade students who play a band instrument should sign up for the course offering that listed as either “Concert Band A/B” or “Concert Band Beginning”. Please note that this is NOT a beginner level band class, although the name may imply this. The class is designed to be the beginning/entry stage for all 9th graders to begin their Garfield music journey. If your student plays a rhythm section or percussion instrument, families should reach out directly to discuss their placement further as they may be eligible for placement in a different music class.

IMPORTANT --- PLEASE READ:

Because of the pandemic and the complexities of communicating efficiently with students and families, Mr. Sessink will be auto-enrolling all incoming Garfield 9th grade students with the registrar to ensure that every student who wants to be in band has it on their schedule. Your current band teacher will offer opportunities to OPT OUT of band for 9th grade in the coming weeks if that is desired. Families can also email me directly (see email below) to request being left off the registration list. Music classes are scheduled first at Garfield each Spring, so it is much easier to drop a student than it is to add them late.

Can Students Audition for Other Band Classes?

One of the crucial developmental elements to our Garfield music culture is having our first-year band students share a common starting place. 9th grade band students are exposed to a wide variety of performance opportunities and avenues of musical engagement in their first year. The first year is also dedicated to learning about our core music department values at Garfield. Because of the importance of these values and our focus on building a strong community, 9th grade students do not have the opportunity to audition “up” in their first year. Auditions/placements are held the Spring of each school year, and all first-year band students will have the opportunity to transition to other ensemble offerings starting in 10th grade, assuming they completed a full year of Concert Band.

What if my student is currently in Jazz during the school day?

Students who want to either continue or begin their journey in performing jazz/roots music at Garfield will have the opportunity to do so. We offer a Jazz Ensemble 3 club that meets either before or after school twice a week, primarily serving our 9th grade students. This group is open to all students who are enrolled in Concert Band. Your student can progress through the jazz ensemble levels (two and one) throughout their high school career starting in 10th grade.

Other Questions?

Please feel free to reach out to me directly via email at jasessink@seattleschools.org.