In May, Quinn’s band participated in the All District Music Festival, which ranges from the most beginning band in elementary school to the most advanced band in high school. Quinn first participated in the 4th grade when he was playing the sax and was in the most beginning elementary school band.

Of course we were so proud. We were also amazed at the progression of each band up through the most advanced band, Westlake High School Wind Orchestra, who just blew us away.

Well this year was a full circle moment when Quinn performed with the Westlake High School Wind Orchestra. And yes, they blew us away.

Their last song was “Give Us This Day” which is a gorgeous song and a favorite for low brass players.

Quinn has participated in the Festival in 4th, 5th, and 8th grade. The festival was cancelled in his 6th and 7th grade year due to Covid, which had a very dramatic effect on the band program. It’s hard to learn an instrument over zoom. But it’s great to see the band programs bouncing back.

Then it was on to the Band Awards, where Quinn was recognized for one of the Most Improved Freshman. The biggest award of the night went to Jessie who is a senior who took Quinn under their wing on the 1st day of band camp. Jessie is going to the Berkley School of Music and big things are coming their way.

Quinn and a classmate worked on a project in Biology where Quinn did the research and she did the artwork. This was their last page and she captured Quinn so well in his favorite shirt — the whole presentation was great.

And he made it through his 1st year of high school!

And then it was time to hang with friends at the mall.

Oh, and then report to Marching Band Camp the next day (he’s not happy with me taking a pic).

One last music thing…Quinn’s tutor Nathan encouraged his students to participate in the Conejo Valley Community Band over the summer. It’s a group of about 50 performers of all ages and they were thrilled to have another tuba player. They had about 5-6 rehearsals and then a performance.