The Garfield Orchestra

The Garfield High School Orchestra program, under the direction of Marcus Tsutakawa, is one of the preeminent training grounds for young musicians in the Northwest.  The orchestra is made up of young people attending Garfield High School, freshmen through seniors, with diverse ethnic and socioeconomic backgrounds, excellent musical ability, and good academic records.  Graduates of the program have been admitted to study music at top schools throughout the country, including Oberlin, Curtis, Harvard, Eastman, Yale, University of Chicago, Northwestern University, Cleveland Institute, and the University of Washington.

The program has grown from ten students in 1985, when Mr. Tsutakawa joined the Garfield faculty, to 160 students now playing in the Symphony Orchestra (advanced students), the Concert Orchestra (students in training), and a chamber orchestra. Smaller chamber groups form and play for special events.  The Symphony Orchestra has toured extensively in the United States, Europe, and Asia - this picture is from the Festival of Gold at Orchestra Hall, Chicago in the spring of 2009.

All of the orchestras perform in many concerts in the Seattle area throughout the school year.  You can help the orchestra travel travel fund and hear excellent music in a smaller venue by hiring a Garfield Chamber Group.

• Mission Statement
• Tours and Exchanges
• Honors and Awards

The Friends of Garfield Orchestra (FOGO) supports the program with financial and logistical help - including maintaining this web site. Read our newsletter, the FOGO Horn.