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Summer Music Camps End on a High Note with Inspiring Performances

Summer Music Camps End on a High Note with Inspiring Performances

Federal Way Public Schools' first-ever Drumline Camp wrapped up two incredible weeks with an energetic performance at the Thomas Jefferson High School Theater. The celebration continued with the second annual Key to Change Symphony South Summer Camp Concert, marking the culmination of another successful summer of music-making.

FWPS Drumline Camp Debuts with High-Energy Performance

The Drumline Camp instructors praised the students' dedication and growth throughout the week. 

“We have been incredibly thrilled to work with such a hardworking and dedicated group of students, many of whom picked up drumsticks for the very first time just a week ago. It’s been a blast!” said Chris Leslie, Decatur High School band teacher and Drumline Camp instructor.

Leslie noted that students gained more than just musical skills during the camp.

“Students learned the value of teamwork. We brought together students from different schools who had never interacted before,” he said.

Thomas, a recent FWPS graduate, reflected on his experience: “I learned teamwork, dedication and communication. It was challenging because we had to learn a lot of music in a short amount of time, but I enjoyed it a lot!”

The students formed three drumlines, Cascade, Baker, and Adams, with all varying abilities and displaying amazing coordination and exciting beats. 

Drumline camp students performing in the Thomas Jefferson HS theater, on July 23, 2026.

Young Musicians Shine at Key to Change Symphony South Summer Concert

The Key to Change Symphony South Summer Camp also celebrated remarkable student growth. Dr. Quinton Morris, executive director and founder of Key to Change, shared his excitement about the program's impact.

“We are so inspired and just so happy with all the students’ progress over the last four weeks,” Morris said.

Now in its second year, the summer camp provides middle and high school students in FWPS with the opportunity to learn from and perform alongside guest artists who are professional classical musicians, including members of the Seattle Symphony and faculty from regional universities.

Under the baton of Maestro Robert Staley, the Key to Change Symphony performed four pieces for an enthusiastic audience of family and friends.

Austyn, a Federal Way High School student and violist in the symphony, described the experience as unforgettable.

“This camp was just amazing. Finding new people with the same interests as yours and playing together as a group to perform for parents and friends—it was a beautiful experience.”

Together, the performances showcased the power of music to bring students together, build confidence, foster teamwork, and create lasting connections.

The Key to Change Symphony South Summer Camp performing in TJHS theater, July 23, 2026

 

 

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A group of young musicians plays drums on a stage with a modern, ribbed backdrop.
A group of young musicians plays drums on a stage with a backdrop of large cymbals.
A group of young musicians plays percussion instruments on a stage in front of a textured, gray backdrop.
Two young musicians play large bass drums in the foreground, with a blurred background of more drums and a plain wall.
In the foreground, young musicians play drums, while in the background, larger bass drums and other band members are visible on a stage.
A young boy in a black hoodie plays drums in the foreground, while other musicians and large drums are visible in the blurred background.
In the foreground, a group of young musicians plays drums, while in the background, large bass drums are visible on stage.
A group of young musicians plays drums on a stage with a blurred audience in the foreground and large bass drums in the background.
A group of young musicians plays percussion instruments on a stage with a curtained background.
Young musicians in the foreground play drums on a stage with a dark backdrop and stage lighting.
A youth orchestra performs on a stage with a conductor in front of a ribbed backdrop, while an audience watches from the dark foreground.
An orchestra performs on a stage with a ribbed backdrop, while an audience watches from the dark foreground.
A group of young musicians plays percussion instruments on a stage with a textured gray backdrop.
Young musicians in the foreground play violins on a stage with an audience visible in the blurred background.
In the foreground, young musicians play cellos, while in the background, other students and music stands are visible.
A conductor directs a group of young musicians playing violins in front of a dark stage.
In the foreground, a group of young people in casual attire practice drumming, while in the background, a dark curtain and music stands suggest a performance space.
A young man plays the violin in the foreground, while other musicians and a dark background fill the rest of the frame.
A conductor leads a diverse orchestra in a concert hall, with musicians playing various instruments in the foreground and a dark stage in the background.
A conductor stands on a podium in the foreground, facing an orchestra of young musicians holding their instruments on a stage with a dark curtain in the background.
Four young men stand with arms around each other on a stage with chairs and a backdrop behind them.
In the foreground, several young musicians play violins, while in the background, more musicians and a music stand are visible.