When Wedgwood fifth graders transition to local Eckstein Middle School, one of the most anticipated opportunities—viewed both by students and parents alike–is participation in one of the renowned Eckstein bands. One may wonder how this sort of enthusiasm for what is considered an “elective” was instilled? The answer to that can be found in the rhythm of just four syllables: Escobedo. If you’ve ever listened to the bands in session, the pride and confidence in their polyphonic tones are evident. It is obvious the students are having a fantastic time making some awesome music. At the helm, with his baton twirling, is the charismatic Mr. Escobedo.
It is not surprising, then, that Mr. Escobedo would be one of the 2006 recipients of the prestigious Stanley O. McNaughton Golden Apple Award. For the past 14 years, Cuauhtemoc Escobedo, who is also known by “Moc” and “Escobedo”, has been leading the Eckstein band musicians to achievements in excellence. The bands at Eckstein Middle School have always received top honors at all the music festivals. They have performed in California, Oregon, Idaho, Nevada, Vancouver (Canada), as well as other Washington festivals. Escobedo would one day like to see a choral program at Eckstein Middle School.
What makes the bands at Eckstein so great? The band students are fortunate in that they are guided by a seasoned musician and teacher, if not by a visionary. Escobedo has taught elementary music for three-and-a-half years. He has taught at Wedgwood, Adams, VanAsselt, Cooper, Concord, Whittier, Greenlake, among others. Mr. Escobedo emphasizes, “I believe that every student that wishes to play an instrument should never be denied the opportunity. I will find the equipment. The arts community at Eckstein has very high standards and the community is also very supportive.”
Despite his involvements in the thriving musical programs at Seattle schools, Escobedo has some concerns. “My concern now is that No Child Left Behind is demanding more money to support academics to prepare for WASL. The arts will be the first thing to go.”
In addition to his busy teaching schedule, Escobedo plays trombone with Orchestra Seattle, and in a brass quintet. He has played with many other orchestras, a Latin band and brass quintets. Escobedo has also made many recordings with local artists. His favorite was with Stuart Dempster. Last year Escobedo received the Earshot Jazz Golden Ear and the City of Seattle Champion of the Arts award.
The Wedgwood community is particularly delighted to learn of Mr. Escobedo’s well-deserved Golden Apple Award. As a parent of a Wedgwood first grader, Mr. Escobedo is a member of the Wedgwood Community. In fact, his first child, now in one of the Eckstein bands, also attended Wedgwood School. Mr. Escobedo fondly speaks of the teachers and administrative staff at Wedgwood. Escobedo has performed a didjeridu demonstration class for second graders (they actually painted their own didjeridus). The Eckstein Jazz Band also performs frequently at Wedgwood School. On occasion, several Wedgwood classrooms have walked over to Eckstein to hear the bands perform.
Again, the Wedgwood Community would like to extend their congratulations to Mr. Escobedo! We appreciate all that you have done for the musical enrichment of our primary schools. On January 19, 2007, Escobedo, the recipient of the Stanley O. McNaughton Golden Apple Award, along with other Golden Apple Award winners, will be honored in ceremonies held
in Seattle. For more information on the 2006 Golden Apple Awards, please visit
http://www.kcts.org/learns/goldenapple.
-Written by Katherine Pak
Tags: Band · Eckstein · Golden Apple · MusicNo Comments
