The ARTS in Puyallup

Tonight was not the last Maplewood Elem Band concert by far— but Jun 10, 2026 was the last Puyallup band concert for Mr. Bob Rink. Congratulations 🎉 on retirement Mr. Rink! You have left a legacy of music excellence and you will be missed! You’ve earned all the extra sleep, hikes, and lazy days by the pool. It’s time to celebrate your retirement!
Robert (Bob) Rink — the facts:
• 39 years teaching in Puyallup
• Taught “thousands” of students...
• Worked across 11 schools (Ballou, Ferrucci, Firgrove, Ridgecrest, Sunrise, Hunt, Maplewood, Karshner, Shaw Road, Woodland, Zeiger)
He wrapped the school year with band at Maplewood

And thank you Jordan Loucks for your impressive contributions to our band program. In a short amount of time you have grown programs and been an integral part of the PSD music department. We wish you a marvelous journey as you head out on your next adventure.

EDGEMONT JH
Spring Concert #2
June 9, 2026

Dear Andy Burch — we will miss you and we’re thrilled for you to enjoy retirement. You’ve earned it! Tonight at Edgemont was concert #2 of 3 and it was a simply wonderful night of music. Great job students with exciting performances from the students in Intermediate Band, 7th grade Concert Orchestra, and Cadet Band.

Intermediate Band played
• Mt. Rainier March
• African Festival
• Kalinka
• Calypso Kid

Concert Orchestra featured composers of color:
• Call of Heroes, Williams
• The Journey Forward, Ford
• Mambo No. 5, Moore

Cadet Band
• Plaza de Toros
• Byzantine Dances
• Aladdin
• Dark Ride

Shout out to the students for their hard work and dedication across the school year, to the directors and staff for their leadership, and to the families and community for their continued support of music education. letsgoband

Presenting the Dessie Evans Junior Owl Chorus at Dessie F. Evans Elementary singing at their May 14th concert. ’sgochorus

What a night! Eric Ryan and his bands always provide a stellar band concert and the June 1st concert was nothing less than wonderful. Tonight was kicked off with a celebration of the great Andy Burch, who is retiring from Puyallup school district, but who is leaving a legacy as an incredible, remarkable teacher and community member and passionate educator at the local and state level for 37 years. (Or as Eric Ryan said a whole century! Wow, Andy you look marvelous!!)
The photos in this real represent the staff that joined in on Andy’s favorite cinematic band anthem, “Silverado”. He was told he would be conducting it, but didn’t know that over 20 current and past PSD staff and some past graduates students would be popping up to play on stage as well — What a fun moment! Photos capture warm-up before the concert as well as other concert moments throughout the evening, including recognition of band seniors

South Sound Musical Theatre Contest 2026 🎭 Hosted by J. Brinker & C. Tavern and the ERHS Arts Boosters, the South Sound Musical Theatre Contest returned for a second year after a successful inaugural event one year ago. Designed for students passionate about musical theatre, this experience gives performers an opportunity to showcase their talents and receive feedback from industry professionals.

The day wrapped with a final showcase featuring the day’s performers opened to the community giving them a chance to celebrate musical theatre talent.

Thank you to Mr Brinker & Mr Tavern, staff & students, the adjudicators, volunteers, families, and supporters who make this event a success. and all involved look forward to next years SS Musical Theater Contest watching it continue to grow! ✨✨