Another Sucessfull Concert Complete....One more to go

Last night was the High School Winter Concert for the 10-12 Vocal and Instrumental music departments.  The night was filled with traditional sounds dating as far back as 900 years, to the comic sounds of "The 12 Days of Christmas" as performed by GYZ, to the more modern sounds of several old favorites performed in a Jazz style.  The entire night ended with the traditional singing of Handle's "Hallelujah Chorus". 

Interesting fact:  Why do audiences stand when the "Hallelujah Chorus" is performed?  The first time that Handle performed "The Messiah" in London, England, the King of England was in attendance.  He was so pleased with the "Hallelujah Chorus", that to show his appreciation for the music, he stood during the singing of it.  Well, when the King stands.....everyone stands.  This is how the tradition began of standing during the singing of the "Hallelujah Chorus".

With the Libertyville and Washington Elementary concert complete, and now the High School Concert complete, that leaves one more concert.  This concert will include the approximately 50 students that have volunteered to join the 5th grade ensemble this year at the Middle School.  They will be singing as part of the Middle School Vocal Music Concert on Tuesday, Jan. 4th, 2011.  Yes, that is after break.  In fact, that is the day after we return from break.

The 5th grade ensemble has had to work with teachers to schedule two extra rehearsals in order to be prepared for this concert.  They have worked quickly to learn the music and I am excited for them to share it with the public.  We were unable to make it work for them to perform at the talent show at the Middle School, but I think they will be great at the concert.  The ensemble will be performing two songs at the concert.  The first song is a song that really might appeal to some of the older audience members, however, the story is a very touching story that pertains to everyone at any time.  The song is "Christmas Dinner".  This song was written by Paul Stookey.  If that name doesn't quite ring a bell, Paul sang with Peter, Paul and Mary.  I first heard this song on their record "Peter, Paul and Mommy".  The song is about a poor young boy searching through the streets at Chirstmas.  He witnesses lots of good Christmas dinners and gatherings.  He eventually finds an older lady sitting alone at an empty table.  He takes out his meager amount of food and offers to share it with her.  The final line sums up the entire story "That on that night, the happiest Christmas....was shared by candlelight."  This song will feature David Owen, who has agreed to accompany the ensemble on guitar.  Mr. Owen is the Middle School Vocal and General Music teacher.

The second song may appeal to a much younger crowd.  The song is "Dig a Little Deeper" from the movie  The Princess and the Frog.  Like the previous song, I think this song brings a very positive message for our students.  It is a fun song to sing, and the lesson that it teaches is that it really doesn't matter who you are or where you are from, you will be successful if you stay true to yourself and who you are.  Sometimes you have to search and really dig down deep to figure out just who you are, but if you find that and you stay true to yourself, then you will be sucessful.  This song will feature Mary Andersen on piano.  Mrs. Andersen is the Middle School Instrumental Teacher.

The night of the program, please have your 5th grade ensemble student report to the 5th grade music room between 6:30 and 6:45.  I ask that they dress nicely.  I do not have a dress code, I just ask that they look nice.  The concert will begin at 7:00 in the commons and should be completed within an hour.

Hope to see you all there!!!  Thank you for your support of our program and of your students,

Mr. G