-
Out to the crowd Senior Jacquelin Hsu looks out to the crowd as she is recognized for her four years of dedication to the honor orchestra at the North Central District Honor Ensembles performance on Dec. 6.
-
In strings The district honor orchestra warms up to start their performance at the North Central District Honor Ensembles on Dec. 6.
-
What does it say The district honor treble choir sings ‘Does The World Say?’ as they close out their section of the night at the North Central District Honor Ensembles on Dec. 6.
-
Focus Sophomore Maitland Wood and junior Benjamin Huser warm up for their first piece of the night at the North Central District Honor Ensemble performance on Dec. 6.
Manhattan High School hosted this year’s North Central District High School Honor Ensembles in Rezac Auditorium, bringing talented musicians across 21 other schools together on Dec. 6.
The lights dimmed, spotlighting the Mixed Choir as they started off at 2:30pm with “O Vos Omnes” by Pablo Casals, continuing on into “Rock-a My Soul” by Stacey Gibbs, then “Home On the Range,” an arrangement by Mark Hayes and finishing off their set with “Apple Tree,” arranged by Katerina Gimon.
“I got to be surrounded by people who were all very talented,” junior and mixed singer Bryce Hutchinson said. “I was able to learn and pick up the music a lot faster, being with people who were also learning it at the same time as me.”
Sessions continued on to Orchestra, the four pieces played were “Suite for String Orchestra, IV. Finale” by Frank Bridge, “What Love Tells Me” (excerpts from Symphony No. 3 movement VI) by Gustav Mahler/arranged by. Ramiro Miranda, “Blue Rhythmico” by Kirt Mosier and finishing off with “Perseus” by Soon Hee Newbold.
The performance began with senior cellist Jacquelin Hsu rising to be recognized alongside various other seniors for four years of dedication in the Honor Orchestra.
“It feels awesome,” Hsu said. “I think it’s really fun to be able to share my abilities and be acknowledged for it.”
Treble Choir took to the stage and presented songs like “Hope Lingers on” arranged by Andrew Ramsey, “Flight” arranged by Ryan Murphy, “Yo le Cano todo el Dia” by David L. Brunner and finished with “Does the World Say?” by Kyle Pederson.
Finally, the performances concluded with the band ensemble, showcasing “Skyward Spirits” by JaRod Hall, “Urban Dances” by Erik Morales, “A Place Like Home” by Adrian Sims and “Caribana Afterparty” by Omar Thomas.
The day started as early as 8 a.m. for musicians, beginning the day with a clinic, where each rehearsal space was taught by specialists.
“We did some warm ups,” junior and treble singer Ellis Lander said. “We really just went through all the music over and over again and fixed some mistakes… Did a couple more rehearsals, just a couple more run thoughts of the songs and then we got dressed, and we were ready to perform.”
The span of the day felt fatiguing, yet the experience turned out to be immensely helpful. Every musician was surrounded by a strong community that included people passionate about their craft.
“It was the best band I’ve been in my life,” freshman trumpet player Jace Parsons said. “I’m next to people who really want to be there, rather than just ‘eh, marching band is fine.’ They were like, ‘Yeah, I love being in a band.’ I could really connect with them over my love for band.”
North Central KMEA President and resident choir teacher Chad Pape presented plaques to prolific members of NCKMEA throughout the concert, handing one to Joel Gittle, executive director and retiring band director here at MHS.
“Dr. [Joel] Gittle has been in the band program here for 35 years, and he’s been the leader of the marching band,” Pape said. “The last part of that, he has been the North Central district president. He’s been the North Central District High School Band chairperson. He’s been the middle level band chairperson. He is now the executive director… He’s just a nice guy and a good mentor.”
Musicians are preparing for auditions for the All-State Ensembles starting in January.
