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page 02
10.26.10
Choir and madrigals Art show displays student talents concert sucessful despite The Eleight brings you a photo summary: last minute changes Jordan Boomsliter News Editor
Music filled the halls on Tuesday, May 24, Wednesday, May 25, and Thursday as the choral and instrumental programs gave their final Spring Concert performances in the Performing Arts Center. The three choral groups performed two to three songs each, including a sprinkle of traditional concert hall numbers, as well as several pop/rock songs and one musical piece. Each group was loudly applauded and appreciated by an almost-full auditorium. As they broke for intermission, the audience was on their feet for the fantastic rendition of the rock group Queen’s “Bohemian Rhapsody.” As the program resumed, the stage morphed into a more relaxed atmosphere, with both the singers and the audience members becoming more engaged as the slew of solos, trios, duets, and other small-group performances were given. The students could be heard cat-calling from the green room and the pit below, exhibiting their enthusiastic support of their peers. The show wrapped up with a presentation of various end of the year awards given to the exceptional performers whose hard work was a much appreciated and noted contribution to the program. The awards included those given to four-year participants, the most likely to succeed in music (awarded to junior Saida Mulder), the Fred Waring Directors Award (awarded to senior Jennifer Neilsen), and the National School Choral Award (awarded to Senior Annika Arasmith). All of the performers gathered on stage to cheer on their peers as they accepted their awards and then all together in a combined choral ensemble sang the final closing hymn, “The Lord Bless You and Keep You.” “I’m so proud of them; each group did an amazing job,” said choral director Barbara West. The next night the musical celebration continued as the Jazz Band and Wind Ensemble performed their selections from the originally planned combined bands Spring Concert in the Performing Arts Center, straying from the original plan for the concert; the annual event has traditionally included the Concert Band and Symphonic Band ensembles, and was scheduled to be held outside in the quad. Due to the drastic change in
weather and the unpredictability of the conditions of an outdoor concert the coordinators of the concert decided to split the band concert into two performances; the Performing Arts Center maximum seating would not have been able to accommodate the number of families scheduled to attend the original out-door concert. The first half of the performances, those of Jazz Band and Wind Ensemble, went on at the scheduled time and date, but were moved in-doors to the Performing Arts Center to accommodate the change in weather. The Symphonic and Concert bands performed their selections at the End of the Year Department Barbeque on May 31. Despite the set-backs and last minute changes, both concerts went on without a hitch and with raves reviews from the audience in attendance. Echoing the closing sentiments of the choir performance, the fouryear or senior members from both the Jazz Band and Wind Ensemble were recognized and congratulated on their extensive contributions of time and commitment they gave to the music program. They closed the evening with a rousing performance of John Williams’ and Johan Meij’s score of Star Wars, a selection picked by the class. At the End of the Year Banquet the Symphonic and Concert Bands provided ample entertainment as the attendees enjoyed the barbeque dinner served to them, and were followed by the presentation of instrumental end-of-the-year awards, including most-improved, MVP, and Outstanding Freshman, Sophomore, Junior, and Senior. As all three evenings ended, a mixture of attitudes from the seniors was expressed as the curtain came down on their spring performance; for some this would be the last performance they gave as a student, and for some it was the last one they would ever give. “I’m happy to be done after four years of doing this; it was a good time, but I’m ready to be done,” said senior Jason Manley. With the array on performances given, both programs ended the year on a high note, and sent off their graduating class with the assurance that their dedication and hard work was not in vain, and that the contributions they gave to the program will be a shining gem in the multi-colored crown in the Performing Arts Department for years to come.
What they really learned in high school...
The district art show, held on May 26 in the Leigh gymnasium, consisted of student work from Branham, Westmont and Leigh. Paintings, photographs, sculptures, pottery and more were on display for any and all onlookers, (admission to the event was free). All art was was a produced in CUHSD classes such as Art 1-4, Photo 1-2, and 3D design. Photos by Maddy Kirsch and Nicole Hamilton