good strings/orchestra programs in Thurston Couny WA? (Seattle, Olympia: to rent, school district)

[gethhyn]

My family and I are planning a move to Washington state. We are relocating from Florida. My son(2nd grade) is in an art magnet program here. He plays the cello and violin. I have been looking at the Olympia area for a place to live. I was wondering if there are any programs out there for strings/orchestra. I have read that the area schools do have orchestra but does anyone know if the schools are good? We don't want the "big city" life of Seattle,plus things are a bit expensive. My boyfriend and I are the plumbing/pipefitting trade(union), so would we would be able to find work. If there are other areas we should be looking at, please let me know. We do plan on renting before we buy.

[Prple]

Not sure about the music program, but I can tell you that Olympia is a great place to live! Good town and great schools. Great place for families!

[Sandy Nelson]

Gethhyn,
Both of my boys have been in orchestra since 4th grade. The two Olympia orchestra teachers who handle elementary through high school both cooperate tightly with each other. The Olympia middle school orchestra recently placed 3rd. for the whole Northwest region. Olympia also has a youth symphony called CAYSA, (capitol area youth symphony association).
You should be able to find a nice and affordable place to rent for your family in Olympia. The Olympia Masterbuilders Association might be a good place to start looking for work related connections. As far as schools, the Olympia school district is very desirable and the Olympia High School was recently ranked in the top 5% of public high schools nation wide.
I hope you'll like it up here in Washington and wish you good luck with your move.

Sandy

[gethhyn]

Thank you so much!! You have given me some very good information. I appreciate your help in this matter .