Kellogg and Einstein Middle School Bands to premier works by northwest composers

Composer Emilio José González

The Kellogg and Einstein Middle School Bands will combine in concert to premier a newly commissioned piece, written by local composer, Emilio José González entitled, “Tahoma,” on April 18th at 7pm on the Kellogg Middle School stage.

This work was achieved through a generous grant from the Shoreline Foundation. 

At the band directors’ request, Mr. González wrote a piece meant to honor the indigenous people of the Northwest, specifically the Puyallup, Muckleshoot, Duwamish, and Tulalip. 

“Tahoma” is a modern soundscape for band that evokes images and feelings of a great, living mountain.

Alec Wilmart, music faculty at Kellogg, says

“Here in Shoreline, we strive to grow together as a community. We want all our families and staff to honor each other and celebrate the multicultural patchwork that makes us whole. 

"I wanted to commission a piece of music that especially celebrated people of color in our community, people who are all too often left out of the conversation, created by a composer of color, with the intent of teaching all of our students that we all have something good to offer each other. 

"We are honored and humbled to premier this work for the community of Shoreline, and hope you will join us”.

From composer Emilio José González:

“The great white mountain that towers over western Washington has been known by many different names. To refer to the mountain as Tahoma, or another indigenous language name, is to recognize that this mountain was woven into the fabric of other people's culture and had other names before it was called “Mount Rainier.” Using the name Tahoma recognizes that we occupy land that belonged to the Puyallup, Muckleshoot, Duwamish, and Tulalip.

"Recognizing the truth in these statements is acknowledging indigenous peoples and their enduring stewardship of the land; that we are still guests and they are still our hosts. Tahoma is meant to honor the great white mountain and those who were first inspired by it.”

Composed Cait Nishimura

Performing are the Wind Ensembles of Mariko Lane from Einstein Middle School, and Alec Wilmart of Kellogg Middle School, and the concert will feature not only this new work, but also works by Canadian composer, Cait Nishimura, as well as other music for wind band.

Mr. González will be in residence the week prior, and present at the concert.

The concert is free to the public.

April 18th, 2019 at 7pm. Kellogg Middle School, 16045 25th Ave NE, Shoreline 98155.