Thanks for all of you who follow my blog. I apologize for not being more consistent lately, but with my wedding coming up on 2/14, I’ve had my hands full.
That doesn’t mean that things in Kent haven’t been hopping though! There is so much going on here. People are excited about the ShoWare Events Center, changes at Kent Station, the new Costco in nearby Covington and new shops going into downtown Kent.
I recently had the opportunity to interview Darren Motamedy, an award-winning jazz musician and band director for the Kent School Districts. He was not only talented, but he was also patient, kind, amusing and surprisingly humble. I can see why his students look up to him and how teaching them to play music is such a passion for him. Watch for my profile on him in an upcoming issue of Kent Magazine.
Dear Dana,
Thank you for coming to Ridgewood Elementary School and observing my band. Next to my family, sharing my craft with my students is the highlight of the day. I’m always thrilled to hear my students tell me that “band is the best part of their day!”
Darren is much too modest. After interviewing him, I learned he was named the Kent School District Teacher of the Year for 2009. He’s not only an amazing musician, but he’s a talented, much-loved teacher too.
Mr. Motamedy is the best music teacher in the world! I have learned so much from him! He has taught me the clarinet and now the saxaphone!It would be a great loss to the Kent School District if they lose Mr. Motamedy because of the budget cuts!
Mr. Motamedy you are the best!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
Dear Dana,
I am one of the lucky students in the Kent School District that gets to spend two or three days a week in band with Mr. Motamedy. I was also lucky enough to be at Kona Kai when you were there with your friend enjoying Mr. Motamedy, Akim, Frank and all of us students play in the band. Mr. Motamedy always says that teaching his students is the highlight of his day, learning from Mr. Motamedy is the best part of my week,and he is the best teacher ever!!!
Alexander West
5th grade percussion, Grass Lake Elementary
Erin was right about loosing Mr.Motamedy due to budget cuts!!!!! Luckley, we didn’t loose him! I will look forward to seeing him durring the school year, if I can:) He was,and still the best band teacher in he Kent school district! Thank you for all your hard work Mr.Mo! Your the best!
The only reason that I am the best band director that I can be is because I have AMAZING students. Erin Denney is taking lessons and is working on high school level music! I saw McKenna Brown at a show this summer and was hoping to have her play her flute with the band! Kent has an amazing school district due to it’s diversity with religion, race, and a diverse curriculum that serves all of the students! Music is a piece of the puzzle that makes our district AMAZING!
dmo
Darren was a sub when I was in High School in Kent,(1994-1997), we always enjoyed when he was teaching us. Most students didn’t take well to Subs but we loved it when he was our sub, we learned alot from him and he is an amazing person and teacher. What a honor to have him as part of our community.
Dmo an aswome teacher , i had him last year
Dear Kent Voters! And Dana! Thank you for all of your support!
Voters, please continue to fund education by supporting the upcoming levy in February! By voting YES to our schools, you will continue to ensure that funding will be available for our music departments, band, orchestra, and general music. We have an amazing district due to our well rounded programs which support our children of color, ethnic background, male, female, and financially challenged. SUPPORT OUR SCHOOLS, VOTE YES at our upcoming levy. SUPPORT OUR COMMUNITY BY VOTING YES to schools! Strong Schools mean a STRONG community!
Peace,
dmo