For many Mercer Island families, the orchestra program at Mercer Island High School is far more than music education. It is a culture of discipline, teamwork, mentorship, and artistic excellence that has become one of the quiet cornerstones of student life on the Island.
This spring, that impact was recognized in a meaningful way as longtime Orchestra Booster President Sharon Singh and MIHS Orchestra Director Bryan Kolk were honored by the MIHS PTSA for their extraordinary contributions to the program and broader school community.
Singh, who recently stepped down after serving six years as Orchestra Booster President, received the volunteer award for her years of leadership, advocacy, and tireless support of students, families, performances, fundraising efforts, and program growth. Her leadership helped cultivate a deeply connected orchestra community that extends well beyond the classroom.
At the same ceremony, Bryan Kolk — regarded by many families as a true “conductor extraordinaire” — was also recognized for the remarkable standard of musicianship and culture he continues to build within the MIHS orchestra program. Under his direction, students have developed not only as musicians, but as collaborative, disciplined, and emotionally expressive young adults.
Together, Singh and Kolk represent something uniquely Mercer Island: the powerful intersection of parent leadership, educational excellence, artistic commitment, and community support.
The orchestra program’s success is not built on performances alone, but on years of mentorship, volunteerism, encouragement, and the shared belief that music can profoundly shape young people’s lives. In many ways, orchestra also becomes a form of exploration — encouraging students to discover creativity, confidence, emotional expression, teamwork, and perspectives that extend far beyond the concert hall itself.
Mercer Island is fortunate to have passionate leaders like Sharon Singh and Bryan Kolk helping shape not only exceptional musicians, but an enduring culture of exploration, creativity, discipline, and community for future generations.