As the Kiwanis Club of Kirkland gears up for its May 26 Annual Pancake Breakfast to be held the Peter Kirk Community Center from 7 a.m. to 12 p.m., local youth musicians are tuning up for the occasion.
As in past years, music will be part of the fun at the breakfast. Lined up to perform are musical acts from local schools and music studios. All proceeds from the breakfast are donated to Attain Housing, to help with homelessness in the area.
7 to 7:45 a.m. — Paul Richardson.
He began his first piano lessons at age 9, and in five years was composing music and studying music theory at the Detroit Conservatory of Music. At age17, he was touring with a professional band. He has experience with many styles of music, a vocalist and an exponent of a number of instruments including piano and keyboards, guitar, flute, bass, harmonica and others.
8 to 8:45 a.m. — Juanita High School Jazz Choir
This ensemble meets every day of the week before the regular school day begins. The mix of ninth to 12th graders are all part of this music development group. While some members have been singing since they were wee ones, others are just trying out their singing voices for the first time. They are directed by Lehua Pischke who has taught in the district off and on for 23 years.
9 to 9:45 a.m. — Evergreen Middle School Jazz Ensemble
Next up is the Evergreen Middle School’s Jazz Club directed by Eric Peterson. This group of sixth, seventh and eighth graders meets once a week at 7 a.m. to learn the form of America’s music, jazz. These kids show up for practice prepared and ready to swing. With a developing repertoire from Latin to Big Band to Heavy Metal, they are stretching their experiences and are excited to share their music.
10 to 10:20 a.m. — Thoreau Elementary School Choir
Returning to delight pancake eaters is the Thoreau Elementary Choir, directed by Sharon Frank and accompanied by Kara Markell. This lively group of kids in grades three through five practice once a week after school.
10:30 to 1:50 a.m. — Andanta Kirkland Youth Choir
The Andanta Kirkland Youth Choir was formed in 2009 as a nonprofit choir to educate children ages 6 through 11 in vocal performance. Directed by Sue Heale and Natalie Fulton, the choir is now part of the Kirkland Academy of Music and Performance in Totem Lake. Their spring season features sons from the Sound of Music.
11 to 11:45 a.m. — Carillon Chamber Choir
The Carillon Chamber Choir was founded by Jim Peterson in 2014 as a youth program of the nonprofit Kirkland Academy of Music and Performance and recently expanded its membership to include singers of all ages. The choir performs challenging chamber repertoire and is known for its beautiful tone and overall artistry. The choir often appears in concert with its sister ensemble, the Carillon Chamber Orchestra.
For more information, visit www.kirkland.kiwanis.org.
