Music has been a core part of my life for decades. I have no real memory where music wasn’t a core element of my soul. Surrounding myself in Seattle’s music scene certainly made that happier and more fruitful. I had a wide range of organizations supporting performers and a plethora of opportunities. This is something that’s particularly delightful about Seattle.

Like many kids, I started band in elementary school. It was just “something I did” through junior high. High school, though, offered something different. I had the opportunity to study with Paul Cobbs, now with the Everett Philharmonic. Dr. Cobbs opened my eyes to a whole new realm of musical possibilities. Besides diving deeper into classical and orchestral music, Dr. Cobbs introduced me to jazz. Life-changing, with ripples through my life to this day. It was jazz that got me into poetry. Jack Kerouac, I’m looking at you.

Throughout my high-school career, I performed with a dizzying array of organizations. Besides my school’s myriad ensembles (concert bands, jazz ensembles, backing up the choir, orchestra), I played with the Seattle Cascades Drum Corps, Cascade Youth Symphony, State Band amongst the formal organizations. There were plenty of small ensembles and workshops I also got to work with. This region has always been a great place to be a young musician.

Now it’s better. Or at least I’m far more aware of what’s out there, as the parent of a musically inclined child. Just a few orgs I can rattle off (besides the above):

• Seattle Girls Choir
• Seattle Boychoir & VocalPoint
• Seattle Youth Symphony Orchestra
• Seattle Children’s Chorus
• Snohomish County Youth Chorus (full disclosure: I serve on the board here)

Add to these some excellent programs to grow the dedicated young musician:

• The Seattle Conservatory of Music
• Seattle Young Artists Music Festival Association
• Seattle Music Partners: Mentor Youth Through Music
• Seattle Chamber Music Society Youth Programs

Our region’s music scene has long been dynamic and energizing. No matter what style you dig, there’s someone playing it live nearby. That spills over to our kids. Music kept me sane as a boy and young man. It delights me deeply to see that opportunity continuing and growing.