Written By: Miles Watts, Staff Writer
PASSION: Families and friends alike from all over RUSD congregated at Ramona High School to watch their child or peers perform in the Honor Band concert.
After long rehearsals and preparing challenging music, middle and high schools performed their pieces in Ramona’s theater on January 31st. The two groups that performed were middle school and high school groups with musicians from all over RUSD invited to play in their respective bands. It is a great opportunity to meet people from different schools and to work with coaches who pass on their wisdom. Even though there are only four rehearsals before the concert, the quality of the music played is astonishing by these talented students, and the amount their musicianship improves is just as impressive. With the theater packed full of families and friends coming to support, the concert begins.
The middle school band was the first group to play, and it was led and conducted by Mrs. Nancy Robinson, an honorary life member of the Southern California School Band & Orchestra Association (SCSBOA). Their selection included the inspiring and uplifting “Infinite Possibilities” by Randall Standridge, a melodic then militaristic tune titled “Two British Folk Songs” by Elliot Del Borgo, a mysterious and imposing song, “Snake Charmer,” by Randall Standridge, the groovy song by Santana, “Smooth,” by Itaal Shur and Bob Thomas (arranged by Michael Story), and the exciting piece intending to sound like a dog chasing a squirrel, “Squirrel Chase,” by Carol Brittin Chambers. “[The middle school band was] insane to listen to. Their performance was amazing, and they sounded like a high school band,” admires Aalyiah Tovar (12), a French hornist in the high school band. Most would echo these thoughts, as musicians and audience members alike were stunned at the musicianship these young students demonstrated.
The high school band was up next after the middle schoolers filed out. They were conducted by the CBU wind ensemble director, Dr. Guy Holliday. They played the majestic “The Winged Stallion” by Rossano Galante, a thrilling yet peaceful piece titled “A Festival Prelude” by Alfred Reed, a mischievous march titled “Light Cavalry Overture” by Franz Von Suppe (arranged by Henry Filmore and edited by Robert Foster), the forward-moving and zealous “Mesa Dances” by Gavin Lendt, a classic march, “The National Game,” by John Philip Sousa, and the layered and upbeat tune, “Bayou Breakdown,” by Brant Kerrick. A larger band, the high school group captivated the audience with the variety and vibrance of music they played. “I feel like I’ve improved by being able to play more difficult music. And now I feel that I understand balancing within the ensemble a lot more now,” remarks William Starns (11), a tenor saxophone player in the high school band.
Having the opportunity to participate in this program is an extraordinary opportunity for young musicians to develop their skills, play music in a more professional setting, befriend students from other schools, and strengthen their already existing friendships by playing alongside them. High school percussionist Conrad Bagwell (12) thinks of Honor Band as a “nice light at the end of the tunnel” as it shows one’s “love for something that doesn’t have to end when high school does.”. And he is right, as this experience is not something that will pass by with no impact. It is an enriching experience that strengthens oneself and their passion for music and an opportunity to create new friendships and memories that will last a lifetime.