Many Lake Washington School District music staff and students were busy during mid-winter break either attending or working at the Washington Music Educators Association Conference held in Yakima, Wash.

The district sent 39 middle school students to participate in the Junior All-State Bands, Choir and Orchestra rehearsals and concerts held Feb. 15.  Don Furness, music teacher at Redmond Middle School, and Ward Brannman, music teacher at Kamiakin Middle School, both served in leadership roles as managers for the two Junior All-State Bands.

The district sent 46 high school students to participate in the All-State Bands, Orchestras and Choirs. Students arrived in Yakima for rehearsals beginning Feb. 14 and culminated in concerts on Feb. 16.

Kim Merkley, orchestra teacher at Kamiakin Middle School and Juanita High School, received an award as the 2014 WMEA Music Educator of the Year for the Northlake Region on Feb. 14. Merkley was recognized for fostering a tradition of excellence and being a model of kindness and professionalism. Her nomination letter stated, “Kim is a treasure to those of us who are lucky to work with her.”  In addition to working at Kamiakin and Juanita, Kim also works as the regional elementary school orchestra director.

In addition, Paula C. Ferguson, orchestra teacher at Redmond High School, was elected by the general membership to the 2014-2016 Washington Music Educators Association Board as Orchestra Curriculum Officer. Responsibilities include creating policies, developing budgets, writing articles for association’s Voice magazine and planning conferences.