Middle School Band Makes Beautiful Music

Boundary County Middle School students performed their first concert of the year on Tuesday night. Not only was it the first of the year, but for many of the students it was their first concert ever. However, there didn’t seem to be any nerves on display as all the students rose to the occasion.

The Intermediate Band took the stage first, playing two pieces. Their second selection, “Centurion” by Mark Williams, was a rousing piece marked by a consistent drumbeat and performed well by the students.

Next came a selection of ensemble numbers. All the numbers were recorded for submission to a local solo and ensemble competition, which according to band teacher Jessica Hanna, is more of an opportunity for feedback and growth. She said students get the chance to receive constructive feedback from college professors and professional musicians, feedback which they then use in the classroom.

Hanna also pointed out that the ensembles work hard on their pieces independently; they choose their numbers and arrangements, give themselves a name and dedicate themselves to practice on their own time. She also said that all the students in the band will end up submitting to the competition either as a solo or ensemble performer, and all had the option to play in the spring concert.

There were a total of five ensembles. The Dynamic Dinosauresses, a group of four young women stood out with their rendition of “March From Scipio” by Handel and arranged by Pearson and Nowlin, a flowing, upbeat piece fitting for springtime.

The final group to take the stage was the advanced band, playing three unique pieces. Hanna took time to point out that the last two pieces were written by women, saying that they deliberately set out to find female composers this year. She said that women are typically underrepresented as composers and she wanted the large number of girls in the band to see something they could aspire to.

The final piece of the night was called “Whirlwind” by Jodie Blackshaw. Hanna described it as a “soundscape” that changes each time it’s played due to the unusual nature of some of the instruments used like “whirlies,” cups and homemade rattles and shakers. The piece was a dreamy, haunting number and it was clear that students not only worked hard on it but enjoyed the process as well.

Hanna also directs the high school band who will be performing March 16, 7 p.m.