On January 25th, the best concert band musicians gathered at North Canyon to perform. There were three different ensembles; elementary school, middle school, and high school.
The elementary school band rehearsed from 12 pm until 6 pm and performed Ogopogo composed by Robert Buckley, Midnight Sky by Brian Balmages, and Shadow Fire by Randall D. Strandridge. Their performers range from 4th to 6th grade, ages ten to twelve. Their conductor was Mrs. Calle Thuneman, currently teaching band at Rhonda’s Junior High. She’s in her 7th year of teaching music in Arizona. They had a great performance to be proud of, giving them a glimpse of a future career in music as they continue through school.
The Middle school band rehearsed from 10 am until 6 pm. They got the opportunity to learn skills that prepare them for high school band. After their rehearsal, they got to have a Q&A with a few high schoolers from each school. Asking questions about band, classes, and other activities in high school. As of next year, all of them can begin their high school band career. They performed Down by the Salley Gardens arranged by Patrick Roszell, Adrenaline Engines by Randall D. Standridge, and Earthdance by Michael Sweeney. In an ensemble of 7th and 8th graders, directed by Dr. Jeff Quamo, a band director at Mesa High School, as well as the musical director for the Phoenix Brass Collective and the Scottsdale Community College band.
Performing last, the high school ensemble practiced from 10 am until 5 pm. They performed Autobahn by Ryan George, Palette by Randall D. Standridge, and Grace Before Sleep arranged by J. Eric Wilson, across the five high schools: North Canyon, Paradise Valley, Pinnacle, Shadow Mountain, and Horizon. They were directed by Dr. Jason Caslor, the Associate Professor of Music and Director of Bands at ASU. As they prepared for the concert they got to ask questions about college bands and future careers in music. They met people who played their instruments and made new friends from other schools. They provided a beautiful closure to the concert and day—an amazing experience for any performer to have.
