Mukilteo Musings

5TH AVE AWARDS

Kamiak High School only won one of their 10 nominations but they did win Best Musical Direction. This was quite an honor because after all, the awards were for high school "musicals". Olympia High School won Best Musical for Guys and Dolls. Nevertheless, it was a fabulous evening and Kamiak's rousing performance (which included my daughter--yes--on that stage!) of "One Day More" from Les Miserables blew the audience away.

Kids in sports seem to get tons of coverage and rightfully so--there is always a prep section in our newspapers for high school kids who get to the state level in their chosen sport. But never, never do you see articles about fine arts students doing well; in fact, the 5th Avenue event had NO media coverage despite the fact that John Curley from King5 was involved as a presenter with the most hilarious story about his high school musical days.

Last year, my son's good friend, Mitch, who was the lead violinist in my son's quartet, the lead violinist at school and in the pit orchestra for the musical, and the lead violinist and concert master of the State orchestra never had one thing written about him. Believe me, he worked just as hard as the kid who won the football scholarship to UW and who had full page color spread and who is now washed up after one year of college because of an injury or drinking or both. Mitch won competitions on the day of his father's funeral---an unexpected death---but not one word about his violin accomplishments.

A couple of months ago, however, I did see Mitch's photo in the Seattle Times in an advertisement of all things for photojournalists' work that can be ordered. From the newspaper, you can order photos of Apolo Ohno, Olympic Gold Medalist, or photos of our orcas, and evidently photos of Mitch.

Mitch, an incredibly attractive kid, was pool side in his swim suit holding his violin. The caption read, "Not only is Mitch...a fine swimmer...he plays a mean Paganini on the violin." I think if he hadn't been a champion swimmer, nobody in the media would have paid any attention to his violin skills. Ironically, swimming is not in his future because Mitch got a summer job playing in a small ensemble in Martha's Vineyard. He'll probably play for private parties and undoubtedly, he'll be noticed--just like the Seattle Times photographer noticed him. And Mitch will go far in life and it will have nothing to do with sports.

Finally, I am so happy that the 5th Avenue Theater has chosen to make these awards an annual event. They are recognizing incredible talent and hard work in kids in the Puget Sound area who really deserve the attention and who never get it. Most of these kids can dance, act, and sing the roof off the theater. The performances were pure enjoyable entertainment---something I believe we all need. The acceptance speeches were funnier and more heartfelt than the Oscars. And my guess is that like Mitch, most of the kids participating will somehow make a lifetime career out of their passion whether it be teaching or Broadway or local theater or even local magazine show host.