Text Box: Republic School District has an active music program. Weekly instruction is provided to all students in K-6. This consists of singing, dancing, and basic instrumental instruction using recorders, Orff instrumentation, and Djembe drums, in accordance with state guidelines. In addition, fifth and sixth graders are offered instrumental instruction three days per week. The grade 5/6 band currently numbers 34, or over 90% of the fifth and sixth grade classes. Fifth and sixth grade students participate in the annual Solo and Ensemble Competition in Spokane, and present two concerts each year. Junior/Senior High School band and choir members have the opportunity to participate in Solo and Ensemble Competition each winter. Most choose to do so. Students who attend competition offer a recital for friends and relatives. Several students have auditioned for Junior All State and All State Band and Choir. Two students were selected for Junior All State Band and one student was selected for All State Choir. There is an active pep band, which performs at all home football and basketball games, and band members attend the annual "marching band day" in November at EWU. All band and choir members participate in an annual league-wide music festival and make an annual trip to a professional music performance (Spokane Symphony, musical theatre, etc.).

Text Box: Accomplishments 2007-2008 Over 60 students competed in the Regional Solo and Ensemble Competition with one category winner, two first alternates, and one second alternate. Category winner advanced to State Solo Competition. Republic had two participants in Junior All State Solo Competition, one participant in All State Choir and one finalist in the Okanogan Valley Nashville Country Star Competition. Music Boosters 2007-2008 The school has an active Music Boosters Club that has promoted and supported the music program through various means. In the last year, Boosters has raised over $5,000.00. Funding was used to: Purchase an electronic keyboard and drum covers, and fund instrument repairs. Provide a bus for students to attend the Spokane Symphony. Purchase music portfolios as well as music for the Panorama Music Festival. Sponsor the music teacher's attendance at the WMEA Conference. Acquire t-shirts for band and choir members. In addition, Boosters attend school board meetings to promote continued music education, help with school concerts, and provide chaperones for music field trips.

The Community

Republic is the county seat for Ferry County, and is a full service community with a population of 1000. Services include a medical clinic and hospital, fire districts, local law enforcement, daycare facilities, fitness center, high speed telecommunications and a satellite campus of Spokane Community College.

The Town of Republic lies nestled at the foot of the Kettle Mountain Range in north central Washington, 120 miles northwest of Spokane and approximately 30 minutes from the Canadian border. Republic has been a center for gold mining in this mountainous area for over 100 years. Forestry, ranching and tourism also contribute to the economic base. Stonerose, a world-class fossil bed, brings thousands of visitors to the community annually. Recreation includes developed and backcountry skiing, hunting and fishing, mountain biking, hiking, snowmobiling, boating and kayaking. For more information, log onto: www.ferrycounty.com.

The relative remoteness of the community has insulated the district from many of the problems which plague larger urban school districts. Community support for the schools is high in academics, athletics and music. Republic shines competitively and the graduating seniors shine academically.