Music Corner

What's Going On In Our Music Department This Month?

Oftentimes our music department is overlooked. Shadowed by sports, stolen from proper funding, and representation. Unless you are in the music department no one can really tell you anything about it. So tune in now, because I am about to tell you what our music students are practicing this October.

Our first stop is the Choir room! Right now Vivace and Bravo (7th and 8th grade choir) will be performing America the Beautiful and One Wish. When interviewed Ms. McBean stated she chose these songs because their first concert is an “informance” for parents during parent teacher conferences. This lays down a good foundation for the school year and "informs" parents what they are doing so far.  Improv is singing Alleluia, Praise!, Bringers of Noise, Closer to the Flame, and Bonse Aba. Improv’s songs were chosen by all of the junior high choir teachers to perform at Boise Music Week School Night Performance. They wanted to choose something that everyone is able to sing. McBean said she is confident in their ability to perform these songs and are on track for a good concert. More events upcoming for our choir include: Caroling, an elementary assembly, and formal concert in the Timberline auditorium, most taking place in December. Finally, when asked what one thing McBean wants people to know she said, “...this is a fun and easy going class. You don't have to be the best singer to be in choir, just a can-do attitude and you'll find friends for life!”

Now let’s take a look at what our Orchestra is planning this month! For the upcoming concert the 7th Grade Orchestra is playing March of the Shadows, Nightrider, and Mystical Beasts. “A lot of it is fast or heavy, but Nightrider has some really pretty melodies,” Mr. Davis states. The 8/9th Grade Orchestra is playing La Llorona, Storm the Castle, and Waltz of the Wicked. La Llorona is a Mexican folk song based around Dia de los Muertos, and Waltz of the Wicked has a ballroom dance feel except it’s spooky. “Night Rider is probably my favorite,” Lola, a seventh grade violinist adds,”Mystical Beast is really hard but I think it sounds better…there is a really cool part that all the violins do that really add to the piece.” When interviewed Mr. Davis claims he chose these songs to fit a spooky theme, and good contrast that engages the audience. Similar to what Lola said before the orchestra has some challenging parts to the music but Mr. Davis has confidence they will have a wonderful performance. One thing Mr. Davis wants people to know about orchestra is, “Without it we literally would not have any of the music we know today. Orchestra and choir paved the way for things like opera, Broadway, Tin Pan Alley, jazz, film scores, hip hop, EDM, pop, etc. When technology advances so does everything else. The cool thing is that all of this music is made with the same 12 notes,”

Finally let’s take a look at what is brewing in Band! In 7th grade they will be playing Noche De Brujas and Rogue Protocol. In the 8th grade band they will play Coffin Races and Strike The Iron. Finally, in 9th band they will perform Homeward Bound (by the infamous John Philip!) and Skeletonic. Mr. Sandvik chose these songs to set a spooky tone for October. “The songs use minor keys,” He adds when interviewed, “it sets up a real eerie kind of vibe,” and Sandvik thinks our bands are on track to make a very nice performance, re-enforcing his faith when interviewed. Some other events are the LBJH V.S. East football game and the select 8th and 9th grade music week. Anything the Jazz Band is performing is TBD, but they will be at the concert!

All Concerts will be at Les Bois.