King County Schools

Auburn School District
A Music4Life™ partner since 2018, Auburn School District has developed one of South King County’s strongest traditions in school music and performing arts. The District serves approximately 17,800 students across a diverse and growing community under the leadership of Superintendent Dr. Alan Spicciati.

Auburn’s music programs include award-winning marching bands, percussion ensembles, jazz programs and concert groups that have earned recognition at regional competitions and festivals. Auburn High School’s marching band tradition dates back to the 1930’s and continues today with competitive performances and Grand Champion honors at marching festivals.

The District is also home to the Auburn Performing Arts Center (APAC), a nationally recognized performance venue that supports school, community and professional arts organizations throughout the region.

Highline Public Schools
Highline Public Schools serve more than 18,000 students across 33 schools in south King County communities including Burien, SeaTac, Des Moines and White Center under the leadership of Superintendent Dr. Ivan Duran.

Highline is nationally recognized for its commitment to educational equity through its “Highline Promise,” ensuring every student is known by name, strength and need. Music4Life™ is proud to partner with Highline in expanding access to instruments and supporting innovative music opportunities including string programs and participation in the Seattle Symphony’s Link Up education programs.

Student ensembles have earned Superior ratings and first-place honors at regional festivals, while district-wide partnerships with professional arts organizations help expand opportunities in music, theatre, dance and visual arts. Highline Schools Foundation and community partners like the annual Poverty Bay Blues & Brews Festival in Des Moines provide ongoing support for these programs. The Blues & Brews Festival, organized by the Rotary Club of Des Moines & Normandy Park, provides significant funding often reaching the $15,000 level, directly helping expand access to instrumental music opportunities for students who might otherwise be unable to participate.

Issaquah School District
A Music4Life™ Chapter since 2010, the Issaquah School District combines nationally recognized academic excellence with a strong commitment to creativity, innovation and the arts, serving more than 19,000 students in one of Washington’s fastest-growing communities.

Under the leadership of Superintendent Dr. Heather Tow-Yick, Issaquah School District continues to emphasize innovation, student well-being, academic excellence and strong arts opportunities alongside STEM education. Modern education leaders increasingly recognize that music and arts education strengthen the same creativity, collaboration, discipline, and problem-solving skills that support STEM achievement.

Through these innovative programs, the Issaquah School District students are given opportunities to participate in some of Washington’s strongest orchestra, band and performing arts programs, including the distinguished Evergreen Philharmonic.

Kent School District
The School District of Kent officially joined the Music4Life™ family on November 29, 2018. Under the leadership of Superintendent Israel Vela, the District serves approximately 25,000 students and continues expanding opportunities for students through academics, arts and music programs.

The District has also expanded culturally inclusive arts opportunities, including mariachi and multicultural arts programming. In 2025, Mill Creek Middle School received a major $42,000 grant to expand access to instruments for underserved music students, and Music4Life strives to continue support for the four high schools and four alternative schools in the district.

Kentwood High School earned national recognition as a Grammy Signature School for excellence in music education — per the Seattle Times, reportedly one of only 41 schools in the country recognized at that time.

Lake Washington School District
Lake Washington School District joined Music4Life™ in 2023. Serving more than 30,000 students in 55 schools across the communities of Redmond, Kirkland, Sammamish and surrounding Eastside neighborhoods, Lake Washington is one of the largest and highest-performing districts in Washington state.

Under the leadership of Superintendent Dr. Jon Holmen, the District has built nationally respected music programs where students regularly earn placement in regional and state honor ensembles and receive recognition in orchestra, band, jazz and choir competitions. With such nationally recognized programs and a strong tradition of student achievement in the arts, Lake Washington demonstrates how access to music education can enrich an entire community.

Northshore School District
The Northshore School District has partnered with Music4Life™ since 2017. Under the leadership of Superintendent Dr. Michael Tolley, Northshore’s outstanding band, orchestra, jazz and choir programs continue to inspire student achievement, creativity and community pride.

Northshore serves more than 22,000 students throughout Bothell, Kenmore and Woodinville, Northshore is nationally recognized for excellence in both academics and music education, including repeated recognition as one of the nation’s “Best Communities for Music Education” by the NAMM Foundation.

Of particular note: Northshore High School music programs consistently earn Superior ratings at regional and state competitions; Bothell, Inglemoor and Woodinville High Schools all maintain strong band, orchestra, jazz and choir traditions with students regularly selected for All-State and regional honor ensembles; Inglemoor High School is nationally recognized for its award-winning jazz program and participation in major jazz festivals throughout the Pacific Northwest; and Northshore students frequently continue into collegiate and professional music programs while maintaining exceptionally high academic achievement.

Riverview School District
Riverview School District, nestled in the Snoqualmie Valley, joined Music4Life™ in 2019. The District combines the strengths of a close-knit rural community with a growing commitment to innovation, arts and student opportunity. The District serves the communities of Duvall, Carnation and surrounding Snoqualmie Valley areas in eastern King County. With an enrollment of just over 3,000 students, Riverview is much smaller and more personal than many suburban Puget Sound districts.

Led by Superintendent Dr. Susan Leach, Riverview publicly highlights both arts and STEM together — something that fits beautifully with Music4Life’s message that music education belongs alongside academics and technology. Through programs at Cedarcrest High School and throughout the District, students have opportunities to participate in honor ensemble auditions, concerts and regional music events that build both musical skill and community pride.

Seattle Public Schools
Music4Life™ is proud to note that our mission began with a demonstration project to support Seattle Public Schools in 2007. They are the largest public school district in Washington, serving more than 53,000 students across over 100 schools. The current superintendent is Ben Shuldiner, who began leading the district in 2026.

The district officially identifies the arts as a core academic subject and part of “Basic Education” under district policy and Washington state law. Seattle schools include uniquely diverse music offerings such as: mariachi, steel drums, global music studies, vocal jazz and international arts partnerships.

Garfield High School has one of the most celebrated public-school jazz and orchestra programs in the country. Their jazz ensembles have toured Europe and performed at major international festivals including the Montreux Jazz Festival and the North Sea Jazz Festival. Garfield Orchestra has also performed at Carnegie Hall and won national honors. In addition, Chief Sealth International High School is especially known for culturally diverse performing arts programming.

Shoreline School District
The Shoreline School District was the third District to partner with Music4Life™, beginning in 2010. Under the leadership of Dr. Susana Reyes, the District is one of the most established and community-supported music education districts in the Puget Sound region. Located just north of Seattle, the district serves the communities of Shoreline and Lake Forest Park with an enrollment of approximately 9,500 students across its schools.

Shorewood High School Jazz Band recently earned national recognition at Essentially Ellington High School Jazz Band Competition & Festival in New York and also received the Susan C. Gordon Award for “Most Soulful Band” at the Festival. Even Shoreline music educators have been honored. In 2026, Shorewood music teacher Ms. Helseth was inducted into the Washington State Music Educators Hall of Fame.

Shoreline communities have long recognized the arts as an essential part of education and civic life, creating a strong environment for student musicians and performers to thrive.

Kitsap County Schools

Bremerton School District
The Bremerton School District joined Music4Life™ in 2017 through the generosity of the Bremerton Central Lions Club. Serving approximately 4,450 students throughout Kitsap County, Bremerton is recognized for its strong commitment to arts education — including award-winning band orchestra and choir programs at Bremerton High School.

Under the leadership of Superintendent Dr. Slade McSheehy, the District continues to expand opportunities for students through music, arts integration and extensive extracurricular programs. The District operates a dedicated arts-focused elementary program through View Ridge Elementary Arts Academy. Bremerton’s Performing Arts Center hosts more than 100 school and community events annually.

The District is known for strong support of military families and was among the first districts in Washington to earn the Purple Star Award from the The Office of Superintendent of Public Instruction and the Washington Association of School Administrators.

Snohomish County Schools

Edmonds School District
The Edmonds School District joined Music4Life™ in 2012, becoming the organization’s first partner district outside King County. Under the leadership of Superintendent Dr. Rebecca Miner, the District continues its long tradition of excellence in music, jazz, orchestra and performing arts education for the more than 20,000 students who attend from throughout south Snohomish County.

Edmonds is nationally recognized by the NAAM Foundation as one of the country’s “Best Communities for Music Education.” Its schools have produced award-winning jazz musicians, All-State performers and nationally recognized ensembles, and Edmonds-Woodway jazz students have performed at major festivals including the Essentially Ellington High School Jazz Band Competition & Festival in New York and other international jazz festivals.

Everett Public Schools
Everett Public Schools joined Music4Life™ in 2016. The District is comprised of twenty-seven schools serving more than 20,700 students hailing from Everett, Mill Creek and some unincorporated areas of Snohomish County, all of which is under the leadership of Dr. Ian B. Salzman.

Everett students participate in one of the Northwest’s strongest traditions of marching band performance, bringing music to football fields, parades and community festivals. Everett also hosts the Puget Sound Festival of Bands, one of Washington’s largest marching band events, bringing together high school ensembles from across the state. The Festival showcases both the Cascade Sound Marching Band and the Eisenhower Middle School Band, and also serves as a fundraiser for the Cascade High School Band, Percussion and Color Guard programs.

Marysville School District
The Marysville School District became a part of Music4Life™ in 2019, expanding instrumental music opportunities for students throughout the Marysville and Tulalip communities under the leadership of Superintendent Dr. David Burgess.

Serving approximately 9,100 students, the District has worked to maintain strong arts and music programs despite significant economic challenges faced by many local families. Marysville-Pilchuck High School music students and performing arts programs have earned recognition at regional jazz festivals and theater competitions, demonstrating the District’s commitment to student creativity and achievement.

Monroe School District
Music4Life™ is pleased to have connected with the Monroe School District to create a new Chapter in 2024. Under the leadership of Superintendent Dr. Shawn Woodward, the District serves approximately 7,000 students throughout the Monroe, Maltby and Sky Valley communities.

Located at the gateway to Washington’s Cascade foothills, the District combines strong community traditions with a growing commitment to educational opportunity and student involvement. Monroe schools are recognized for active student participation in music, performing arts, athletics, and leadership programs. In a District that serves both rapidly growing neighborhoods and rural communities, access to school music programs helps connect students, families and the broader community through creativity and shared experiences.

Sultan School District/Index School District<
The Sultan School District has been a valued Music4Life™ partner since 2014. Under the leadership of Superintendent Christopher Granger, this District serves more than 2,100 students. His philosophy of prioritizing student well-being and equitable access to resources has helped guide the partnership with Music4Life.

This collaboration has successfully expanded Music4Life’s support not only within Sultan, but also to the nearby rural community served by Index School District which is under the guidance of Superintendent Gerald Grubb. Index was founded and platted in 1893 as a mining town in the Snohomish wilderness, and many students in this small district are underserved due to geographic isolation and limited local resources. Superintendent Grubb is committed to ensuring that students in Index have access to the same opportunities available in larger districts.