As part of the  “Music in our Schools Month” celebration,  the string ensembles took us to the movies. String ensembles from the elementary, middle, and high schools all played selections from a wide variety of film scores.

There were six ensembles that took the stage: All-Elementary String Ensemble, Grade Six Strings, Grade Seven and Eight Strings, Pierce Chamber Orchestra, MHS String Ensemble, and the MHS Symphonic Orcehstra.

Mr. Jette, principal of the Pierce Middle School, introduced Ms. Ostrem, director of all the string ensembles after a warm acknowledgment of the MHS basketball team’s recent win which was loudly applauded. 

This is always a wonderful evening of music, as Ms. Ostrem said, because the older players can hear where they came from the younger players can hear where they are going (assuming they keep practicing and taking lessons) and that is just great to share music.

The  All-Elementary string Ensemble kicked things off with “Mr Frog Went A Courtin,'” which perfectly captures the sense of fun and joy that runs through all the string ensembles. The evening rolled on with selections from Spartacus (7th & 8th Grade Strings), La Bamba (Pierce Chamber Orchestra), West Side Story (MHS String Ensemble) and more.

A couple of highlights: Rose Moerschel / violin and Lily Moerschel / cello performed beautifully with the Grade Six strings in “Winter” from the Four Seasons (featured in Superman among other films) and the MHS Symphonic’s performance of the overture from The Lord of the Rings under the direction of Ms. Damiani (band director) was superb. The entire orchestra demonstrated beautiful discipline and range and the trumpet just soared.

It was a great night and there is more in store.

Tonight is the Faculty talent show to support spring sports and activities ($10.00 admission) and the school bands will be performing March 19th at 7:00 ($5.00 admission) . Both events will be in the high school auditorium.