The Big Sandy School music program did their part to make the season a little more festive last week. F.E. Miley Elementary held their annual Christmas Concert at Big Sandy High School last Thursday evening. Students took to the stage to play their instruments and sing for parents and community members. TJ Bond, the school's music teacher, was very positive as to how the program went: "The concert went extremely well, the students performed excellently and showed great spirit throughout the night."
The first half of the concert featured instrumental performances by students in the various grades. The fifth grade band opened the evening with renditions of "Lightly Row" and "London Bridge", before being joined by the 4th graders. During their 4th grade year, students are introduced to playing an instrument through the recorder. The 4th graders on their recorders joined the 5th grade band playing "Jingle Bells." The two grades playing together is a new feature of the concert and was an interesting addition. The 6th grade band then took the stage to play "12 the Clock Strikes" and "Christmas Joys." Following the 6th grade band, small groups stepped up to perform pieces that they had practiced. The next portion of the Christmas concert featured students playing various instruments apart from the larger group.
Mr. Bond pointed out that, "The students themselves have grown in more independence, as much of the extra performances demonstrate." Additional musical performances from students included band pieces performed by groups during the band portions of the concert, various piano recitals, and a pair of students performing a short violin piece. It was impressive to watch so many students perform in small groups or solos, as it seems like more were doing so than in past years. They all demonstrated impressive skill for such young musicians.
The 6th grade performances began with Silent Night performed by a quartet, Cody DeHaven, Garrett LaFurgey, Aidan Morsette, and Thomas Sant. Next, Natalie Heppner, Raea Pansch, and Lyndee Worrall performed "Angels We have Heard on High." Gena Nissen and Daija Sunchild played "Away in a Manger" and Colter Han, Randi Hardman, and Astrid Ketchum presented a saxophone trio rendition of "Deck the Halls."
Students who have been taking piano lessons took the opportunity to perform for the audience. Mr. Bond explained that there are more piano teachers and students in the community currently, which accounted for the larger than normal number of recitals. Individual piano performances were performed by Daija Sunchild, Dorothea Merril, Isaac Goodman, D'Aree Sunchild, Jack Sant, Gabriella Cox, Lyndee & Jaycee Worrall (who performed a terrific duet), Georgia Silvan, Peyton Sant, Davey Overbay, Henry Merrill, and Thomas Sant.
A unique feature of this year's concert was Lauri Silvan and Kacey Weaver's violin recital of "Ode to Joy." The pair played with Tavie Wortman, who is a student at Big Sandy High School. She began teaching students violin for the first time this year. This particular recital was a bit of a double debut, with the younger girls debuting their newly developed violin abilities and Tavie showing the product of her newly undertaken teaching efforts. Mr. Bond explained that he welcomed the opportunity for the trio to perform when Tavie asked him for a spot in the concert.
The final portion of the evening put the kids' vocal efforts on display. Kindergarten and 1st grade performed "Christmas, Christmas!" and "Frosty the Snowman." The 2nd and 3rd grades then performed "Santa Claus is Comin' to Town" and "If I were a Reindeer." The 4th through 6th grades then sang "Sing the Holidays," "What Child is This," and "¡Feliz Año Nuevo!" The evening closed with all of the grades singing "Christmas Card." The final song was particularly impressive, because the entire student body was on stage together. With over 100 students, it was a welcome sight to see the ranks of our local school swelling. The audience seemed particularly engaged throughout the singing portion of the evening, with a great deal of warm laughter popping up throughout in response to the cute kids, fun choreography, and well chosen music. It was a good time for all present.
The Christmas season's musical offering continues this week as the students of Big Sandy High School perform their Christmas music for the community. "This next concert will be a fun time with fantastic music. The students have some difficult works but have rose to the occasion to make some wonderful music. The concert is at 7 PM this Thursday, and we hope to see everyone attend. It will be a fun and musical night!"
