The annual fall band concert at Gordon F. Kells High School was hosted on Monday, Nov. 30, at 7:30 p.m.
The grade 5/6 band performed first presenting six short pieces to the audience including “Go Tell Aunt Rhodie,” “El Camino Mariachi,” “Little Robin Red Breast,” “Merrily We Roll Along,” “Clash of Warriors,” and “Itsy Bitsy Spider.”
New to band, the younger grades are learning how to read music and how to play together which is a challenge in itself. This was emphasized by Kevin Dyck, the director, during the playing of “Itsy Bitsy Spider,” which was done in a round. The melody is played by a certain group, while one or more of the same melody is played beginning at different times.
“It’s quite something to be playing beside someone when you’re playing the same music, but it’s even more difficult playing when the person beside you is playing different notes,” Dyck explained.
The grade 5/6 band includes Drazmine Palma, Sassy Tinio, Tarris Valentine, Sydney Bouchard, Brooklyn Delorme, Caitlyn Joya, and Taya Kakakaway on flutes; Bea Caan, Paris Rutten, Payton Spry, Brandon Fleming, Riley Gilks, and Riley Park on clarinets; Nicholas Erickson, Jacob Kirk, Rench Lafiguera, Darcie Rae, and Denita Shepherd on alto saxophones; Mitch Himmelspeck, Sam Thompson, Jason Hietanen, and Kaysha Turner on trumpets; Jaydin Dustyhorn on the trombone; and Tryell Dixon, Drayden Arndt, and Logan Romaniuk on euphoniums.
Impressed by the grade 5/6 band the audience applauded loudly before warmly welcoming the sounds of the senior band.
The senior band performed three pieces including “The Tempest” by Smith, “Going Home” by Dvorak, and “Curse of Tuthankhamun” by Story.
Using a variety of percussion instruments, each piece was enjoyed a different sound. This included the use of a tamtam - a small gong - being used in the Egyptian music of the “Curse of Tuthankhamun.” Each piece was unique and showcased the abilities of the students.
The audience very much enjoyed the performance and the senior band provided a great example of what the 5/6 band can look forward to in the future.
