This evening saw a rousing conclusion to the Milton Public Schools celebration of “Music in Our Schools Month” with a performance by the elementary, middle and high school band ensembles.
In keeping with the creative programming we have seen for all these concerts, the MHS Brass Choir opened with Coro Spezatto by Giovanni Pierluiga da Plestrina. The choir had an interesting physical arrangement. Half of the ensemble, which is comprised of approximately 14 musicians, were on stage with remaining standing in the audience at the base of the mezzanine level. The effect was marvelous.
Altogether six different ensembles performed. In addition to The Brass Choir, they were: the Elementary Band, the 6th Gr Band, the 7th & 8th Gr Band, the MHS Wind Ensemble, and the MHS Concert Band.
Mr. Gary Good
The Elementary Band, conducted by Gary Good, performed John Kinyon’s arrangement of the Chorale and Canon on a theme by Thomas Tallis. And they pulled it off. This was refective of the entire program in which all the ensembles were gently stretched by their respective conductors and they all rose to the occasion.
Highlights included the 7th 8th Gr Band’s John Williams medley which featured some great percussion and the 6th Gr Band’s version of “Aztec Dance. Both ensembles were conducted by Ms. Lauren Kapalka, in her first year as Director of the Pierce Middle School Bands.
The MHS Concert Band did a stunning rendition of the “Slavonic Folk Suite” by Alfred Reed. As with the choral and string ensembles that came before them, this group diplayed excellent range, discipline and tone. The MHS Concerrt Band is conducted by Ms. Rebecca Damiani and Gary Good.
Ms. Kapalka
The bands closed the evening with an amazing version of Handel’s Fireworks music: Mr Good conducting the Elementary band, Ms. Kapalka conducting the 2 Pierce bands, and Ms. Damiani conducting the MHS Concert band. A fitting finish to a fine evening of music and the conclusion of “Music in Our Schools Month.”
Congratulations to all the musicians; choral, strings, and band and to the music faculty for a great month of music.
A “thank you” also goes out to F.A.M.E., for their tireless efforts in support of the music programs at the Milton Public Schools. You can learn more about F.A.M.E., the Milton Friends and Advocates of Music Educaton, here