In the musical, Music Man, Professor Harold Hill promised the residents of River City that they were going to have a boys band. Well, in our little city's public high school's Music Department, we have a boys (and girls) band and MUCH more. And, last evening they "strutted their stuff" in grand style and quality.
In addition to the playbill announced in the above program, there were also several solo performances by vocalists and musicians. Throughout the two hour program, the students and faculty performed with energy, enthusiasm and excellence. The Band's part was followed by Beginning Guitar, then the Combined Chorus, and concluded with the Jazz Band. The last group in their Blues Brothers hats and 'shades concluded the evening with several stirring numbers.
Maestro Matt Fry and Chorus |
From the School's Twitter Site with appreciation. Band Director J.C. Harper is 3d from left rear, playing trombone and the trumpeter on far left is actually a "Blues Sister" |
With only 840 students in grades 9-12, the high school's Music Department has a long tradition of performance excellence. Matt Fry, Choral Director for several years, has consistently had many of his students selected for state and regional groups. Band Director, J.C. Harper, displayed his own musical virtuosity with hot licks as part of a guitar ensemble then as trombonist with the Jazz Band. Both these men were quick to offer kudos for individual student performances.
Last fall's performance of Fiddler on the Roof was an elaborate and highly acclaimed sensation with over 200 persons involved in the production. And last night, Mrs. Rose Pate, who coordinates the non-profit jmarts.org, announced that next year's production will be In The Heights by
Lin-Manuel Miranda, creator of Hamilton.
She further announced that twelve students have been named JMArts Scholars by the Jordan-Matthews Arts Foundation, each receiving a scholarship to attend a university fine arts camp this summer. According to their FaceBook site, "scholarships are funded through individual contributions to the foundation and income from ticket sales for the annual fall musical and some major concerts during the academic year." (In an non-requested endorsement, if you are inclined to support the program, visit the website, jmarts.org or send gifts directly to PO Box 395, Siler City, NC 27344)
While enjoying the program, I remembered that there are persons who advocate eliminating funding for arts programs in pubic schools. I seriously doubt that anyone at last night's program would be among that short-sighted group.
Satchel
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