PT Music Boosters

07/09/2025

MIT Says Music Not Coding Might Be the Key to Raising Smarter Kids

If you’re debating between enrolling your child in piano lessons or a coding boot camp, new research from MIT might help you decide and the answer may surprise you.

According to the study, learning to code only activates general-purpose areas of the brain associated with logic and problem-solving. That’s not bad, but it doesn’t tap into the brain’s more powerful language centers, which are crucial for communication, memory, and cognitive flexibility.

In contrast, learning a musical instrument from an early age has been shown to build stronger, more lasting structural and functional brain connections particularly in regions responsible for speech, memory, and executive function. And here’s the kicker: these brain-boosting benefits stick around even if the child stops playing music later in life.

So while coding remains a valuable skill, researchers suggest that music offers deeper, longer-lasting cognitive development. If you want to future-proof your child's mind, a violin, guitar, or keyboard might be a better investment than an app or programming course.

Bottom line? Music isn’t just an art it’s brain food.

05/29/2025

End of the year concert update!

Who: Beginning Orchestra, Festival Orchestra, Symphony Orchestra, and Chamber Orchestra
What: Our last concert of the year is also our district orchestra celebration
When: Wednesday, June 4th starting at 6:00pm, approximately 1.5-2 hours total.
Where: PTHS Gym
Call Time for students: 5:30 in the orchestra classroom

Concert Attire: Your students should wear concert black with one exception – we will be selling orchestra t-shirts soon and your students are welcome to wear their new orchestra t-shirt instead of their normal black shirt.

Expectations: Your student needs to be there for the entire concert. In addition to being supportive audience members for the other ensembles, every student in 6th-12 grade will perform a piece together at the end of the concert. Your students are role models for the younger grades, so I do expect them to be on their best audience behavior throughout the concert.

Awards: We will do a potluck/awards ceremony before the concert starting at 4:30. During this time we will honor our graduating seniors and hand out the end of year awards, as well as eat some good food. I will send out a signup for different types of potluck dishes about 2 weeks before the concert, so be on the lookout for that.

Other: The high school orchestra will be selling concessions and t-shirts at the concert to raise money for their trip to New Orleans next year. This will be a cash or check only situation, so make sure you bring some cash to purchase any goodies or shirts you might want. We would love some parent volunteers to help run the sales during times when students need to be involved in the concert.

03/22/2025

Right now the PTHS orchestra is having musical and non-musical adventures in British Columbia, Canada. Last night they attended an amazing and inspiring Vancouver Symphony Orchestra concert at the beautiful Orpheum Theatre.

03/04/2025

It’s been a while, but we just had to share!
https://www.instagram.com/p/DGyUhO6S6cX/?img_index=1&igsh=MXJqNjN5amY1OTRsdQ==

12/11/2024

This week!

Orchestra Concert:
Led by Caitlin Malarkey, the PTHS orchestra will perform on Wednesday, December 11th, at 6 PM in the high school auditorium.

Band Concert:
Under the direction of Kim Clarke, the PTHS band will take the stage the following evening on Thursday, December 12th, at 6 PM. This performance will be held at Blue Heron Middle School in collaboration with Blue Heron musicians.

11/14/2024

This just in! For more information, to volunteer, or to donate, please contact Ms. Malarkey: [email protected]

10/30/2024

As a reminder, tonight is the Dia de los Mu***os Celebration in the PTHS library from 4:30 - 7:00 pm today (10/30). The Mariachi Club will be performing. We hope to see you there!

10/26/2024

Last night’s concert was a hauntingly beautiful performance by the PTHS Orchestra! Thank you to all who attended and a special thanks to those who donated so support these young musicians!

10/22/2024

The PTHS Mariachi Groups will be playing at this event!

10/14/2024

Want to learn more about Music Boosters or have some suggestions? Join us for an online meeting tonight (10/14) at 7:30.

Join Zoom Meeting:

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09/25/2024

PTHS orchestra students will be heading off to Warm Beach Conference Center the first weekend in October for an orchestra retreat! This event is a wonderful opportunity for PTHS students to grow as musicians, build friendships, and create lasting memories in a supportive and inspiring environment. Scholarships are available for those who need; this is a great example of Booster funds in action!

09/25/2024

Concert goers under 18 get free tickets! This is a great opportunity close-ish to home.

The Symphony "transports you to another place — it's a magical thing," says Sunshine Peterson. She knows! Sunshine is one of the vocalists in Family Pops, our season-opening concert less than 2 weeks from now. Come be transported on Saturday, Sept. 28: tickets are at https://portangelessymphony.org — and concert-goers 18 and younger get in free with a ticketed adult!
The Family Pops program takes you on a journey ... Here are a few highlights:
• The "Raiders of the Lost Ark" march
• The Colorful Symphony from "The Phantom Tollbooth," with narrator Todd Ortloff
• "The Promise of Living" from Aaron Copland's "This Tender Land"
• "All I Ask of You" from "Phantom of the Opera"
• Holst's "The Planets," Mars and Jupiter in particular
• The theme from "Mission: Impossible!"
• Other favorites that will make your heart soar — truly!
All of this is conducted by Maestro Jonathan Pasternack, who is celebrating his 10th anniversary season. Yes! We hope to see you at the Port Angeles High School Performing Arts Center!