Reflecting on my high school experience, I’m most thankful for the Mercer Island Band Program. I found comfort and community in the 500 hallway that supported me through four years of academic pressure and introspective questioning. While such a huge program, the importance of each student, parent, bus driver, custodian, and admin member was emphasized.
This unity would not have been possible without the directors. They led by example, treating others with genuine kindness, identifying and appreciating every member’s unique quirks and making them feel seen.
The Mercer Island Band is a family that celebrates differences and empowers students to grow. I’m grateful to each director for teaching us how to be musicians, but beyond that, I’m grateful to the band directors for teaching us how to be compassionate people.
~ Kate Francke, Class of 2020
