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Blaze Trails: Upper School Musicians Blaze Trails and Bend Genres
Each year, the Bush music faculty finds numerous opportunities for students to showcase their hard work and talents. This includes a twice-a-year performance called The Venue, as well as two Upper School Music Showcases.
Student musicians prepare all semester to perform for The Bush School community. This harmonious event showcases diverse musical styles and talents, fostering a sense of belonging through a shared love of music.
“In Jazz Band, we've been focused on learning a variety of tunes and standards with historical significance to jazz, such as "Fly Me To The Moon", "Satin Doll", "Chameleon", "Chitlins Con Carne", "Blue Bossa", "Red Clay", and "Mercy, Mercy, Mercy," said Upper School Music teacher, Marshall Lowry. “These tunes have shown the students a variety of styles, including swing, bop, bossa nova, funk, blues, and gospel.”
Students meet for jazz band practice on Tuesday afternoons from 3:30-4:30 p.m. and on Wednesday mornings from 8:15-9:15 a.m. Marshall also teaches a music class called Ensemble, which explores modern pop/rock music beloved by students.
“This was my first time playing jazz music, and I’m really enjoying it,” said Ayaan B., ’27. “I used to play guitar a long time ago, but joining a jazz band inspired me to pick guitar back up.”
In Modern Orchestra, students learn a variety of pieces ranging from classical to jazz to rock. These include a Beethoven piano trio piece called "Opus 97", "On Green Dolphin Street," "Clocks" by Coldplay, an instrumental version of "Bohemian Rhapsody", and even a few Christmas tunes such as "Jingle Bell Rock" and "Santa Claus is Coming to Town.”
“We've also been discussing jazz theory and improvising over chord changes using various approaches such as scales, modes, common progressions, etc,” said Marshall. “Students have also been working on music theory and ear training.”
As students continue to explore new genres and refine their skills, the Bush music program remains a vibrant space where passion and artistry thrive.
The Bush School is an independent day school located in Seattle, WA enrolling 745 students in grades K–12. The mission of The Bush School is to spark in students of diverse backgrounds and talents a passion for learning, accomplishment, and contribution to their communities
3400 East Harrison Street, Seattle WA 98112 (206) 322-7978
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