Marcus Tsutakawa was named one of ParentMap's Superheros for Washington Families. You can read the piece about Marcus online or pickup a copy of the latest issue of ParentMap. Congratulations Marcus!
In addition to making a donation to the FOGO general fund, you can now donate directly to the orchestra classroom. Mr. Tsutakawa has setup a page on DonorsChoose.com describing what he's looking to fund and why. Those that find it easier to donate for a specific item now have a choice!
If you've gotten an email from this site but don't have a password to log in with, enter that email address on the password retrieval page to get started.
GHS parent and photographer Tom Wolken has been photographing the Orchestra's performances. His photos can be viewed at his online gallery where you can download originals or buy prints. Or view many past performances of the Garfield Orchestra on YouTube. Thank you to Galen Chuang for curating this channel!
The Garfield High School Orchestra program, under the direction of Marcus Tsutakawa, is one of the preeminent training grounds for young musicians in the Northwest. The orchestra is made up of young people attending Garfield High School, freshmen through seniors, with diverse ethnic and socioeconomic backgrounds, excellent musical ability, and good academic records. Graduates of the program have been admitted to study music at top schools throughout the country, including Oberlin, Curtis, Harvard, Eastman, Yale, University of Chicago, Northwestern University, Cleveland Institute, and the University of Washington.
The program has grown from ten students in 1985, when Mr. Tsutakawa joined the Garfield faculty, to 160 students now playing in the Symphony Orchestra (advanced students), the Concert Orchestra (students in training), and a chamber orchestra. Smaller chamber groups form and play for special events. The Symphony Orchestra has toured extensively in the United States, Europe, and Asia - this picture is from the Festival of Gold at Orchestra Hall, Chicago in the spring of 2009.
All of the orchestras perform in many concerts in the Seattle area throughout the school year. You can help the orchestra travel travel fund and hear excellent music in a smaller venue by hiring a Garfield Chamber Group.
The Friends of Garfield Orchestra (FOGO) supports the program with financial and logistical help - including maintaining this web site.
Friends of Garfield Orchestra (FOGO) is a nonprofit organization that supports the program with financial and logistical help - including maintaining this web site. FOGO consists of a volunteer group of parents, faculty, and community volunteers designed to support the Garfield Orchestra in its fundraising activities. Additionally, FOGO provides general assistance such as chaperones for retreats and festivals, baked goods for bake sales, staffing for ticket sales, and design and printing services for concert programs.
The Garfield Orchestra holds several fundraisers each year in order to pay for music, maintenance of school instruments, trips, and other expenses. Please show your support and attend as many as you are able to. We need volunteer help for many of these fundraisers; please visit the volunteering page if you'd like to help out.
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