Embedded Files
Orchestra strikes again with another gold at ISSMA contest
By Blakelynn Tepen
Staff Writer
Updated 3/25
Both 7th and 8th grade orchestras procured a gold rating at the ISSMA contest at Goshen Junior High School on March 22.
Seventh graders performed three pieces including the following: “Quintus,” “Dos Fuegos,” and “Pieces of Eight.” All three pieces were difficult, but “Dos Fuegos” was the hardest as some of the notes were less familiar, and rhythmically challenging.
“Both our seventh and eighth grade orchestras have shown a lot of growth over the year, and our success at ISSMA Contest is proof of their hard work. Contest judges are looking for a high level of performance to award a Gold rating, and I'm so proud that our students played to such a high standard,” said orchestra director Angela Gigler.
Eighth graders practiced the songs,“Highland Celebration,” “Ventus,” and “Jupiter.” “Jupiter” was the hardest out of the three since there were multiple pauses, along with changing dynamics.
“I think ISSMA went really well. We really improved from our pre-concert to our actual ISSMA performance,” said violinist Abigail Evans.
Weeks leading up to ISSMA each ensemble had a trial concert for parents and family. After the concert everybody worked their hardest in rehearsals, preparing as much as they could before the event.
Concord earns prestigious Gold Division
rating at ISSMA
By Maggie Bean
Student Writer
Bringing home gold, the Concord Junior High band performed at Goshen Middle School on March 21 in front of judges and parents.
Finishing the piece, each player's arms rested knowing they finally finished. Ending with gold, and heading home. On March 21, Concord junior high headed to Goshen Middle to perform their pieces for ISSMA. 8th grade performed, Infinite possibilities, Prelude & Pursuit, and As Spirits Soar. While 7th grade played Fireball, Blue Sky Horizon, and Time Lord.
“I am thrilled to share that they delivered their best performances of the year. Each group earned a prestigious Gold Division rating, showcasing their hard work and dedication. Concord has a long-standing tradition of achieving Gold Ratings at the annual Indiana State School Music Association (ISSMA) event, but this accomplishment is not easily attained. This high standard makes the achievement even more significant, and we take immense pride in their accomplishment,” said Concord band director, Brian Golden.
Each group is judged on nine different categories, with three judges, ruling each moment. The evaluation contains elements such as correct notes and rhythms, as well as more aspects such as style, balance, dynamics, and overall musicality. It is very hard to obtain a Gold rating in ISSMA, as each member of the band is judged.
Weeks before on February 18, the eighth grade percussion performed “Songo Concertina” for three judges, ending with a perfect score.
Grady Johnson said, “I’m very happy with how our band executed our music,
considering how hard our music was, and at what point you have to be to pursue it in a perfect fashion.”
Concord’s band and percussion section had been practicing for months. Last year, the band earned gold last year, repeating history once again.
Nine Concord students radiate unique talents during Indiana's Bandmasters Association
By Keegan Morningstar
Staff Writer
Out of 27 schools, 208 applications from across the state, and 104 selected participants, Concord had 9 students perform in Indiana’s Bandmasters Association.
Attending Penn High School on November 16 and 17, band students had an eight-hour practice session on the first day from 9:00 A.M. to 4:30 P.M. The director Patrick Keeley was able to hear every section play separately throughout the day. Arriving the next day for the concert, students had an hour practice.
Playing seven songs and having one day to complete it was a big accomplishment for the group. Participants only had a month to get the music known and playable before coming together as a whole band. The music given to the students was quite hard due to the speed and high notes. The songs the band played included “Blue Ridge Reel,” “Tripwire,” ”Terracotta Warriors,” “Dase Carnival,” “Brace for Impact,” “Fireball,” and “Fragile.”
“The performance by this year's IBA Honor Band was exceptional. It's remarkable to consider that just one day prior, this band had not rehearsed together at all, which makes their performance even more impressive,” said director Bryan Golden from Concord.
After explaining the deeper meanings of all seven songs performed, the performance lasted an hour before ending. Letting the audience enjoy the music performed by the students.
“The music was cool, the music was hard so it was better than our normal band music,” said Paxton Fisher who's a flute player for the band.
After two days of dedication and hard work, the concert came to an end for the 2024 Indiana Bandmasters Association group.
Orchestra wins gold at ISSMA
By Kenidi Garcia
Staff Writer
Update 4/3/24
The 8th grade orchestra won gold with distinction during the ISSMA contest at Goshen Junior High School while 7th grade received gold, only being a few points away from also getting distinction.
Seventh grade musicians performed three pieces called “March of the Czar,” “Fantasy on a Japanese Folk Song,” and “Ironclad.” The latter was an intense, fast paced song that had many different parts going on at once. Keeping up with the tempo for this song was difficult since it was played at such a fast speed.
Later, the 8th grade performed “Sea Chantey,” “Deep River,” and “Afterburn.” “Deep River” was originally an emotional, African American spiritual. This song was especially challenging trying to perfect dynamics while making the song sound as soft and gentle as possible.
“ISSMA gives me the opportunity to play the best I can, and getting feedback from experts helps me become even better,” said 8th grade violinist Barbara Sanchez Nava.
Both orchestras practiced their pieces every day in class, along with techniques.
To receive gold with distinction, an ensemble must get a score of 10.5 or lower in each category, receiving a 9 is considered a perfect score. The rating is based on balance, dynamics, intonation, tempo, and if the ensemble played together. The group is also ranked from 1 to 5, 1 being the highest and 5 being the lowest. Both orchestras got mostly 1’s and 1.5’s.
“It’s a chance for us to work on being the very best that we can be, and just see how far we can push ourselves as an ensemble. The rating is important but also just playing our very best,” said director Angela Gigler.
CJHS Bands win gold at ISSMA
Seventh and eighth grade bands win gold with distinction
Emma Elick
Staff Writer
The seventh grade band won gold with distinction at ISSMA, and the eighth grade band won gold.
The seventh grade band played “Comet Ride,“ “Castle Gate, 1924,“ and “Big Circus March”; these songs were up beat and entertaining.
The eighth grade played “Nebula,” “Groovee!” and “Hypnotic Fireflies.” Their songs were slower and calmer but still interesting to listen to. “Groovee!” was upbeat and exciting to play and hear.
All the songs for the seventh and eighth grade bands were chosen so it would challenge them but they would also be able to play them. The directors chose these songs because they would help the bands get better but they would also sound good while playing them. Every song that the bands play are challenging but in the end it helps the bands get better and mature.
Director Bryan Golden said, “My favorite part about going to ISSMA contest is hearing all of the hard work that everyone put into rehearsing and preparing to come together for the best performance of the year. The other part is the smiles after the performance from everyone because they could feel it was a great performance.”
The challenging part of all the music was to make sure all of the things were played correctly. For example the in “Nebula” the band had a range of tempos, they had to start slow and calm but then it sped up to a calming but fast pace song. The band had to make sure that the melodies were right and if a person had a solo to make sure they weren’t covered up by other sections.
They had to make sure they were playing at the right volume to it sounded correct. For “Hypnotic Fireflies” the parts of the song they worked most on was the high notes and rhymes while still having to play quite in some of the parts. And for all of the songs having some of the sections playing quite and loud enough so they can be heard but not over play what the main rhythm is.
“My favorite part of ISSMA was being with my friends and finally feeling accomplished for how much we’ve improved this year,” said Alejandra Loza, a flute player in the eighth grade band.
To prepare for ISSMA, the students were given the pieces of music mid January and worked on them through all February and until March 17.
CJHS Choir continues Gold Streak
By Breeze Valenzuela
Staff Writer
On March 18, the CJHS Choir earned a gold ranking after performing three songs for judges at ISSMA.
The songs that students performed were “Zum Gali Gali,” “Dream a Dream,” and “Micheal, Row That Gospel Boat.” According to Mrs. Janisse, she chose these pieces to really display the students’ strength and flexibility in singing different types of music.
The main challenge of “Zum Gali” was that it was written in Hebrew. “Dream a Dream” had a wide range and required a lot of breath control. The last song that Mrs. Janisse chose, “Micheal Row That Gospel Boat,” had a capella in it.
Mrs. Janisse said, “I am proud of the students for achieving their goal.”
Some students in Mrs Janisse’s first and second hour classes auditioned and were chosen to be in Circle the State. Circle the State singers practiced the ISSMA music and the pieces for Circle the State simultaneously. This year Circle the State was held at Goshen College on February 25.
The CHJS Choir has had four performances throughout the school year. The plaque they had received at ISSMA will be displayed on the wall in the choir and band hallway.
Mylah Bryant said, “It was constant practice—sometimes we wouldn’t get a break for hours, but it was all worth it in the end.“
Orchestra wins gold with distinction at ISSMA
By Paola Garcia
Staff Writer
4/1/23
Performing for judges, the combined orchestra received gold with distinction rating at the ISSMA contest at Goshen Junior High School.
The students performed the pieces “Cliffs of Moher,” “Fantasia on the Water Is Wide,” and “Wood Splinter Fanfare.” These pieces were of different genres and tempos making it difficult to adjust to playing the next song. These pieces were higher level than usual music. The 7th and 8th-grade orchestras never practiced daily together.
“The one thing I liked was that we got constructive criticism from an expert,” said cellist Kaylee Barsoda.
Gold with distinction is given to ensembles that get an average score of 10.5 or lower, with 9 being a perfect score. There are different levels of ranking. Level 5 is the hardest and level 1 is the easiest. It is based on intonation, balance on if the melody is heard, tempo, dynamics, and the togetherness of the ensemble.
“The junior high orchestra has a great attitude and work ethic this year, and I was so pleased to see them rewarded for their hard work by such a great rating. ISSMA always challenges us to perform not just well, but GREAT, and the ability to dig in and push for excellence is going to stick with us through the end of this year and beyond,” said Mrs. Anglea Gigler.
Students also participated in an ISSMA solo and ensemble optional event. Having two ensembles and two soloists, both 7th and 8th-grade participants received gold ratings for their performances. They practiced each day until the event occurred.
Bands strike gold at ISSMA
By Cheyenne Collins
Staff Writer
Updated 3/25/22
On March 18, the seventh grade band received gold with distinction and the eighth grade band received gold at ISSMA .
The eighth grade band performed the following songs "Dark Heart," "Fire Dance," and "Factory Riffs." The seventh grade band performed "Kachina: Chant and Spirit Dance," "Heroes Triumphant," and "Morpheus." CJHS bands worked on these ISSMA songs starting at the beginning of January. On top of learning and practicing these songs in class, they were also submitting online assignments through Canvas so that their teachers knew what to work on.
"I like playing the french horn because it was something new that I could try, and I just ended up loving playing it. I enjoy band because it lets me meet new people so that I can forge new and strong friendships," said eighth grade French horn player Savannah Havlish.
At Elkhart High School, 36 Concord students participated in solo and ensemble on January 29. All participating soloists received gold along with all ensembles with the exception of one that received a silver. Mr. Bryan Golden, Mr. Cameron Bradley, and Mr. Denton Sutherlin all worked with these students to improve their ensembles, and they gave feedback on their solos to help them at competition.
¨My favorite part about helping students in the band succeed is seeing their smiles after a performance. It's at that moment all the hard work, repetitions, and corrections make sense. Band is important because only together can we create the music and it helps teach students how to work together for a larger goal. Most of all-- it's just fun!¨ said Mr. Golden.
At ISSMA solo and ensemble, Liam Grove received a perfect score with a percussion solo; the song performed by Grove was titled "Ya Gotta Practice" by Jim Bollero. Grove also performed his solo at Groove which is a percussion concert that is performed in front of hundreds of people.
Orchestra earns gold at ISSMA Contest
By Sloan Fisher
Staff Writer
Updated 3/20/22
Playing together, the 7th and 8th grade orchestra earned a gold rating at ISSMA on March 19 at Goshen Junior High School.
The orchestra excelled in bringing out tempo changes and having good balance. Both grade's orchestras were able to practice together during homeroom so they could adjust and become comfortable with playing together. On the day of the concert the orchestra practiced and performed their songs “Tango dos Sonhos,” and “Luminescence.”
“I was particularly proud of the strong tone we played with throughout and our ability to stay together even with performance nerves. We succeeded in portraying most of what was marked in the music and pulled off an effective performance,” said orchestra director Angela Gigler.
Orchestra students also took part in Solo and Ensemble on January 29 at Elkhart High School. The ensemble groups would practice by themselves every day at the end of class to learn their music. In both 8th and 7th grade all soloists and ensemble groups received gold ratings.
“I liked that I could play my instrument with my friends and that we could earn a gold rating togethers,” said violinist Maegan Schoenherr.
Last year during Covid, both seventh and eighth graders performed in the Junior High's gymnasium and they recorded their songs and sent them to the ISSMA judges. Later on in the school year, both orchestras were informed that they had earned distinguished gold ratings.
Six students exude talent through music
Six students exude talent through music
By Cheyenne Collins
Staff Writer
On Nov. 13, six CJHS students secured their spot for the National All Region Honor band.
Kaitlyn Morelock, Cheyenne Collins, Mya Ernsberger, Chase Trigg, Meadow Iemma, and Ulises Padilla were among the 100 students selected out of 200 applicants. They met at Penn High School and spent eight hours with a few breaks playing their instrument. On the following day, the students performed "Highlights from Harry Potter," "Star Wars: The Force Awakens," "Mad Dash," "On Freedom’s Wings," "Cantalina Four Winds," and "Los Quatro Vientos."
"I learned how to be a part of something that is bigger than me. Everyone contributed to make us better as a whole. It was a challenge, working on the music for 8 hours in one day, but it taught me endurance and perseverance," said trumpet player Morelock.
After the conclusion of the dress rehearsal was over, the band played their selections in front of parents and band directors from different schools, starting with “On Freedom’s Wings.” After the first song was over, Dr. Jon Noworyta from the University of Indianapolis, introduced himself telling the audience a little bit about himself.
Noworyta told the crowd an inside joke that he shared with the band— any time Noworyta would say,”There's a fire,” the students would stand up quickly. This was because when Noworyta told the students that if there was a fire, they should be able to stand up quickly, which taught them that they needed to keep their feet flat on the floor.
"The IBA Honor Band is a great experience for students as they are challenged to play a lot of music. Some of it can be really challenging to prepare. In addition to the music, students who are selected into the honor band get a chance to meet a lot of great students from all over northern Indiana. Finally, any time a student gets to work with other talented directors and guest conductors, they always come back with a great perspective on how to play," said band director Bryan Golden.
"Los Quatro Vientos" was written specially for the honor band by composer Johan de Meij. On November 14, the honor band performed the song.
Concord Choirs come together
By Irvin Mejia
Staff Writer
Updated 10/20/21
On October 7, the 8th grade 3rd and 4th hour choirs, the Concord Singers, and the 7th grade choir performed a combined concert on the stage for the first time since the start of the pandemic in 2019.
The four songs that the 8th grade choir performed were “Come Alive,” “Keep Your Lamps Trimmed and Burning,” “It Don’t Mean a Thing,” and “I See the Light.” “Come Alive” involved choreography that required swaying side to side and a domino effect move.
“Keep Your Lamps Trimmed and Burning” had two parts: the higher part was sung by the sopranos, and the lower parts were sung by the altos and baritones. “It Don’t Mean a Thing” had parts where singers scatted (using the voice to imitate an instrument), and “I See the Light '' had group parts for the beginning and later on in the piece.
Mrs. Janisse said, “ ‘Keep Your Lamps Trimmed and Burning’ was the hardest song because there were two distinct parts, and we had to make sure there was balance and pay attention to the musical detail. They did an excellent job with this piece of music; it was so good we also performed it at the high school concert.”
At the concert, the 7th graders performed first, followed by the Concord Singers, and concluding with the 8th grade choir.
Ava Dixon said, “I felt relaxed and confident during the concert because I felt prepared after practicing a lot.”
The day before the concert the 8th grade choir rehearsed during school. The advanced choir students who have choir during 4th period had to
come out of their 3rd period to practice with the 3rd period choir.
Students sing through Pandemic securing two gold ratings
By Aaliyah Ortega
Staff Writer
Due to the pandemic, a select group of choir students performed virtually for this year’s Circle the State and recorded their performance for ISSMA Solo Contest earning two gold ratings and two silver ratings for their performances.
These choir students came after school to practice their songs from both Circle the State and ISSMA Solo Contest participants would practice in school. For Circle the State, choir students practiced the song “Deep River.” For ISSMA, students had to sing the song “Jubilate Deo.”
“The whole process for both events was a learning experience-both in using technology in new ways and rehearsing,” Mrs. Joely Janisse said. “A lot of communication happened through google meets, chat and email.”
The experience of Circle the State and the ISSMA Solo Contest this year has changed. Previous years, those who participated in Circle the State would go to Goshen College with other choirs from other schools to extend to one big choir. Due to Covid-19, the select few choir students could not go to Goshen College to participate in person.
With the ISSMA Solo Contest, those who participated in previous years would have performed in person but since that could not happen they had to perform virtually.
“In past years, all soloists and ensembles would dress up and go over to Goshen Middle School and perform for several judges.” said 8th grade choir student Lily Vander Reyden.” However, this process, among others, had to be changed due to the restrictions in place due to living in the middle of a global pandemic.”
Choir students would be recorded all together and submit them online to be rated and to be criticized on. There are certain ratings that can be received such as a gold rating, a silver rating, and a bronze rating. Ratings are based on rhythm accuracy, breathing technique, expression, note accuracy, and more.
During their performance, choir students must stay still and keep their hands at their side. Choir students also must be loud enough for judges to hear through an electronic device (since the entire performance will be recorded) and need to be clear with their voice. After a few days since their recording they would receive their ratings, which were two gold ratings and two silver ratings.
Bands earn Gold with Distinction
By Marley Kattau
Staff Writer
Updated 5/1/21
The 8th grade band placed Gold with Distinction at ISSMA, using the tunes “Legends” and “Ancient Moon”, while the 7th grade band also earned a Gold with Distinction.
Emilia Corpe, an 8th grade French horn player, said, “Band has been one of my favorite classes because I have met many new people, there are a lot of exciting opportunities, and it is always fun to play new music. I am excited for marching band next year and what experiences that will bring for me.”
At the recent ‘Pie and Cry’ band banquet, the seventh grade band was honored for all they have done this year, along with receiving medallion pins for their ISSMA victory.
With less time to meet in full-band, and unusual days in and out of school, both the 7th and 8th grade bands got to compete at an online ISSMA contest, play music for the May Movie Night concert, and learn more about how to become a skilled instrument player along the way.
Concord Junior High bands succeeded in playing new music during the 2020-2021 school year.
Band directors Directors Bryan Golden, Cameron Bradley, and Denton Sutherlin have been working hard to make sure their students get the full Junior High band experience, despite the troubles of the COVID-19 virus. Music is a big part of Concord Community School, and band is just one way that the students get to show their passion for notes and rhythm.
“Band was weird at first without half the band but as soon as everyone came back the masks had nothing on us nothing was different we all still had fun. The directors helped us with so much and deserve so much,” said Hayden Casey, an 8th grade flute player.
Junior High students are excited to collaborate with the Concord Beginning Band for the upcoming Movie Night concert, playing songs such as “The Magic of Harry Potter”, “Back to the Future”, “Star Wars”, and more. The bands have been practicing hard, and are ready to learn more about what they love to do.
Scholastic Art Awards recognizes students artistic talents
By Alexa Walter
Staff Writer
The Scholastic Art Awards recognized fourteen CJHS students for their artwork that was on display at the exhibition on February 5-March 13.
Gage Zinich, won two gold keys and a regional award for his outstanding work “Goose Snake.” The gold key is the highest level of achievement on the regional level and approximately 5-7% of all regional submissions are recognized with a gold key.
Maria Ward won two silver keys and an honorable mention. Her piece that won was a photograph of her blending in as a bird's nest on a tree. In the beginning, it was in color, but she changed it to be black and white to give it scariness and perception.
Ward said, “I feel honored to have won just one award let alone many. I never expected this!”
The 2021 Ann Hamilton Award for Inspired Teaching was presented to one of CJHS’s own Mrs. Mary Amador-Spradling. This award recognizes teachers who were based upon a mathematical formula using the number of entries and the number of awards, taking school size into consideration. Amador also won because of her dedication to students and teaching.
Mrs. Amador said, “I am always so proud of my students' achievements! It’s a wonderful experience to see your students work on their project from start to finish and then to be acknowledged and awarded outside the art classroom is a bonus!”
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