International Arts
Head of Department: Lary Barilleau Tel. (206) 252-5846
International Arts at Hamilton
Hamilton International Middle School is proud to serve all of our students. A special aspect of our school community is our diversity. As members of the Hamilton International Middle School community all of our students have access to World Languages and International Arts. This includes work with teaching artists who work side by side with me and our new visual arts specialist Richard Serpe. The International Arts provide opportunities that enrich our student’s lives. This is my 7th year at Hamilton and as the program has developed I have been fortunate to work with a diverse group of students and guests that truly embrace the arts. We have discovered the culture, music, dance and art of many places including Japan, Cuba, Puerto Rico, Benin, South Sea Islands, The Middle East and the United States just to name a few. The performance opportunities for all students are an invaluable way of building community, teaching cooperation and honoring the myriad of cultures in our world. Future experiences will include the study of Gaelic people of Ireland, the Sephardic Jewish people of southern Spain and the Mediterranean and the original American art form of jazz.
The International Arts Faculty Members
Lary Barilleau is the International Arts Department Head and Grammy nominated jazz artist. He was awarded the William G. Carr award for excellence in International Education from The National Education Association Foundation in 2008.
Richard Serpe is the International Visual Arts teacher and is in his second year at Hamilton. He has been teaching in the Seattle School District for 10 years. He is a member of the All Arts Leadership team, CBPA and Grade level standards teams for OSPI. He is also a candidate for the Nation Board teacher certification.
Dan Rowe has taught instrumental music for the Seattle Public Schools for 25 years. He worked in the Elementary Instrumental Music department for several years, teaching at various schools throughout the District. Before coming to Hamilton, he taught band, piano and jazz improvisation at Eckstein and has given private lessons for many years. Besides teaching, Mr. Rowe enjoys composing music for the ensembles he teaches and has done some film, theater and video scoring, an activity he continues to pursue. He also performs jazz piano for corporate and social events, and plays the trumpet in community concert and jazz bands. For recreation, he enjoys being with his family, golfing and staying fit.
Mika Takano has been involved with music since the age of four when she first began learning to play the flute through the music method known as Suzuki. In fourth grade, she began viola lessons, as well. Ever since, Ms. Takano has dedicated herself to music performance and music education. Although she has taught music in all grade levels, Ms. Takano finds middle school to be a wonderful niche of enthusiasm and energy! In her spare time, Ms. Takano enjoys playing with the Washington Wind Symphony, spending time with family and watching favorite movies.
Music
HIMS music has an orchestra, band, and choir. These are multi-leveled classes such as Jazz band, beginning strings, etc. tryouts for each group are held in late summer to begin registration for our new school year.
There are four orchestra classes and one choir that meet daily for rehearsals at Hamilton. All of the classes are mixed grades (6th-8th). Beginning orchestra and choir are open to all students including those with no previous musical experience. Placement for all other classes is dependent on a performance audition with Ms. Mandojana. Orchestra and choir students perform throughout the year at a variety of events including three school concerts, festivals, International Arts assemblies, and other school functions. Music classes are a great way to meet new friends and have fun learning something that can last a lifetime!
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