2019-2020

7th and 8th grade bands push through a hard school year

By Marley Kattau

Staff Writer

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.

Students represent CJHS in Circle the State

Updated 3/30/20

By Gracie Parkhurst

Staff Writer

After three months of practicing, specially selected choir students from local schools came together at Goshen College on February 22 to work with Dr. Hochstetler and perform a concert.

This year’s Circle the State consisted of 21 students from Concord Junior High and over 150 students in total. The students worked on seven different songs for several hours. Once they were ready to perform, they got on stage and sang the songs, “Gloria Deo,” “She Sings,” “Blue Moon,” “Little Wheel A-Turnin’,” “In Flander’s Field,” “Old Joe Clark,” and “Sisi Ni Moja” for their audience.

Mrs. Joely Janisse said, “This was an awesome group of students to take to Circle The State. They sounded great and represented our Concord PRIDE values to the community."

The students began practicing in November. Then on February 22, they practiced with Dr. Scott Hochstetler, a professor of music at Goshen College, to become fully prepared for their concert. Dr. Hochstetler also directed the group of students during their performance, and Allison Secaur was the accompanist for them.

Faith Martin said, “Old Joe Clark was my favorite because of the lyrics, and it was fun to do.”

Concord has performed at Circle the State for about 21 years. There were about 13 schools that participated this year.

Entertainment

Ten students qualify for the All-Regional Honors Band

By Raymond Sosa

Staff Writer

Ten students participated in a performance of the Indiana All-Regional Bandmasters Association Honors Band at Penn High School on Nov. 16-17.

The 39th Annual Indiana All-Regional Bandmasters Association Honors Band took place at Penn High School and at 13 other locations all over Indiana. This event took a total of 9 hours: seven hours the first day and two the second day. After playing for three hours and 30 minutes the first day, the band had lunchtime and came back tired; yet, the band kept trying hard. The following day, they had two hours to prepare for the concert.

Don Litherland, one of the conductors, said, “The band exceeded my expectations by a lot. Mr. Rudolof and I have done six of these, and this is the best one.”

When the performance was over, conductors, soloists, and the entire band were recognized. The band took pictures with the conductors by each school and received a certificate the following week. Few students were honored to be part of the performance.

Christian Zezer said, “I was one out of a few in a 90-member band out of the whole of Northern Indiana. A lot of kids didn't make it in, and I am representing Concord in front of Hall of Fame band directors.”

Students and parents were able to ask the conductors questions outside. A question asked was if there was something that they would have liked to be corrected.

G. Kieth Rudolph, the other conductor, said, “Any time that you do these types of performances, you know that not everyone is going to be ready.”

Students left after putting their instruments into their cases and asking questions if they wanted to ask.

Twelve students participated last year; twelve qualified this year, but only ten participated.

Drama students produce Kaos

Updated 4/14/19

By Kylie Wheeler

Staff Writer

On February 8, the Drama Club presented Kamp Kaos in the school cafetorium for students, parents, and staff to show that when things go wrong, there will always be friends there to help out.

During the performance, students played many roles to create a summer camp called Kamp Kaos. The campers and counselors had a tough time when things didn’t go as planned, and they might have to sell the camp. However, they all worked together and improvised to get things done in order to save the camp. Wally Schneider (played by Jacob Kamp) thought that he would have to sell the camp to Lucinda Scorch (played by Alyssa Toledo), but then the campers found a hidden treasure and saved the camp.

“My favorite part of the play was when the counselor told the campers the ghost story. That was my favorite because it was the funniest part of the whole play and got the most laughs,” said Maecy Potter.

The camp was experiencing a lot of problems. The mortgage was due, and they were experiencing El Gordo winds which caused a massive mouse migration. On top of the mouse infestation, the camp was due for an inspection. Therefore, Naomi (played by Joyce Odhiambo) came up with a plan to give the mice cheese to make them fall asleep. However, the plan backfired when Wally ate the cheese and was sedated.

“I think that the play taught us that not everything goes as planned but you can always find a way to get through it,” said Maegan Baskins.

Students practiced after school for an hour and a half every day for three months before the performance. They sang the ABC’s multiple ways to have a loud and clear voice for the audience. Last year, the cast performed Gretel was a Princess.

Band earns Gold with distinction at ISSMA

Updated: 4/11/19

By Trentin Mathis

Staff Writer

Concord band scored the best in the Group I category at ISSMA on March 15 at Goshen Middle School.

Concord 8th grade band played the tunes of “First We Dream,” “Our Kingsland Spring,” and “Legacy Fanfare.” The 8th grade band earned gold with distinction at ISSMA,which is the highest ranking they can receive. According to band director Mr. Bryan Golden, the band always operates at a high level, and this performance was a “culmination of what they have been doing all year. “ Sofia Spradling said, “The band did very well at ISSMA. We ended up scoring a Gold with Distinction which is the best rating a band can receive.”

The 7th grade band earned gold at ISSMA. The Concord 7th grade band played the tunes of “The Tempest,” “Renegade Dances,” and “Heroes Triumphant.”

"The 7th grade band had an outstanding performance for their first ISSMA contest. In addition to the challenges of of performing for judges for the first time, the 7th grade band changed one of their selections only two weeks before the contest said Mr. Bryan Golden, band director.

Over 100 seventh and eighth graders went to Solo and Ensemble. The judges awarded them with fifty-two gold ratings and four silver ratings. Students practiced every Tuesday during band class and put on a live performance for the band during their class the week before the performance for the contest.

The bands have been practicing since they came back from Christmas break. Last year, both the seventh and eighth grade bands were awarded gold with distinction.

Orchestra earns Gold at ISSMA Contest

Updated 4/9/19

Lydia Nisen

Staff Writer

Playing at Goshen Middle School on March 16, the Concord Junior High seventh grade orchestra earned gold, while the eighth graders earned gold as well.

According to the judges the seventh and eighth graders exceeded with their dynamics and stage performance. The seventh graders played “Sahara Crossing,””A Beethoven Lullaby,” and ”Cliffs of Moher“. Furthermore, the eighth graders played “Brandenburg Concerto No. 3,”“Deep River,” and “Danza Espanola.”

“There are definitely lots of positives about our ISSMA experience. I am proud of both ensembles bringing home gold ratings, especially of 8th grade achieving a gold at the Group 1 level. It's been a while since a CJHS orchestra accomplished that,” said Mrs. Gigler.

Orchestra students also participated at Solo and Ensemble on February 2. Mrs. Gigler designated a piece of music to each ensemble. The groups started practicing every Friday, and as the performance day got closer, they had more time to practice during class.

One group from the eighth grade orchestra earned gold at group one rating and they qualified to go to state in Indianapolis. Due to other commitments, the group didn’t end up going. Most of the ensembles got gold at solo and ensemble ISSMA except for one group who earned a silver. Concord Junior High also had two soloist who earned gold.

Honors choir students exude confidence and skill at contest

Updated 3/25/19

By Maegan Kish

Staff Writer

Concord’s honors choir received a gold with distinction rating at Goshen Middle School’s annual ISSMA on March 16.

Honors choir, taught by Mrs. Janisse, performed, “Zum Gali Gali,” “Dream a Dream,” and “Child of Song” for three judges at ISSMA. Scoring high in interpretation and note accuracy, one judge wrote, “Fantastic sound, well executed and performed.” They received gold rating scores from each judge, receiving a grand total of 30.5.

Mashayla Riley said, “To prepare for ISSMA, I made sure that I was calm and knew my words thoroughly.”

After six weeks of practice, honors choir solo and ensembles performed for judges at Fairfield High School’s annual ISSMA on January 26. There were 34 students who performed in an ensemble and 8 performed a solo. In total, 17 golds were awarded to honors choir solo and ensembles.

Mrs. Janisse said, “The students had a great day, and their hard work made all the difference.”

Students in honors choir auditioned at the beginning of the school year and take the class year round. They perform in Christmas and Pops convos, in addition to their fall and spring concerts.

Twelve students chosen for Honor Band

Updated 12/18/18

By Gavin Simons

Staff Writer

Twelve CJHS students participated in a regional Indiana band-master’s association honor band at Penn High School on November 10 and 11.

On November 10, middle school students from around the region went to Penn HS to practice a few pieces of music for their concert the next day. After applying online with the help of their director, approximately 150 students out of 900 students were chosen, and 12 were chosen from Concord Junior High School. This band combines the best middle school band members from the area to play difficult pieces of music.

Gabe Shanholt said, “I wanted to be in Honor Band because I knew it would be an opportunity for me to become a better musician, and it would be a chance for me to be recognized for the good musician I already am.”

The students chosen from Concord were Camryn Sexton, Elli Hollinger, Ethan Jehnsen, Gabe Shanholt, Gavin Simons, Haley Alvarez, Hannah Elonich, Matt Daub, Sofia Spradling, Trentin Mathis, Zak Wait, Jessica Florea. Many of the students said they had fun; however, their lips hurt from all the practicing. They played for 6.5 hours on Saturday and had a 45-minute concert on Sunday.

Mr. Cameron Bradley said, “Students were introduced to challenging music, worked with students from other area schools, and had the opportunity to get instruction from a guest conductor.”

This festival is hosted by a number of different schools with Penn hosting it in recent years. Some directors from the schools participating volunteered to help out with this event.

Bands celebrate Gold with Distinction Award

By Rayna Boessler

Staff Writer

Playing at Goshen Middle School, the 7th and 8th grade band both earned a gold rating with distinction at the ISSMA Competition.

According to the three judges results, the 8th grade band had a “full warm sound and good tuning” from one judge. Another judge said that their third song was perfect and noted how they paid very good attention to detail. The first judge said how they “sustained their notes and overall had a really great performance.” The songs that were played were “Counterbalance,” “Apparitions,” and “Cloud Gate.” This is the second consecutive year both seventh and eighth grade has received gold with distinction.

Mr. Bryan Golden, band instructor, said, “The 8th grade band traveled to ISSMA contest playing some of the most difficult music required by the state of Indiana. This group has always been highly talented, and filled with students who strive to be the best at what they do.”

Additionally, the seventh grade received positive comments as well. One judge said that they did all of their songs perfectly, wonderful, and the introductions of songs were very detailed. Another judge said how it's a very nice sounding band and it was all in tune. The last judge said that they sustained their notes and the dynamics were perfect. The songs that were played by the 7th grade were “Ancient Ritual,” “Korean Folk Rhapsody,” and “Forward Motion.”

Delaney Trigg, a seventh grade french horn player, said, “I think our band did our absolute best. We did an outstanding job playing, and dressed for success. We got gold, with distinction might I add, and can’t wait to see us do it again next year.”

Orchestra players earn gold at ISSMA

Updated 5/1/18

By Aranza Jimenez Cruz

Staff Writer

Playing at Goshen Middle School on March 12, the seventh grade orchestra earned a gold medal, while the eighth grade earned a silver medal.

According to the judges, the seventh grade excelled at producing a full, characteristic tone, and the eighth grade did well at following printed bowings and playing different dynamic levels. Both orchestras played music that had different key signatures, which made the pieces more challenging. The seventh grade played the following songs: “Little Symphony,” “Iowa Springs,” and “Ironclad.” The eighth grade played “Dance Scenario,” “Appalachian Sunrise,” and “Brandenburg Concerto No.5.” In the end, the eighth graders were only half a point away from earning gold.

“ I am proud of groups for investing in the process and working hard,” said Mrs. Angela Gigler.

Orchestra students also participated at Solo and Ensemble. Mrs. Gigler designated a piece of music to each ensemble. The groups started practicing every Friday, and as the performance day got closer, they had more time to practice during class. Everyone who participated earned a gold medal.

“The most challenging part [of ISSMA] would have to be getting up on the stage and facing these judges. [It] really gave me a rush,” said Samantha Salaices.

Last year, both the seventh and eighth graders earned a silver medal at ISSMA. Students arrived CJHS in the morning, and they took a bus over to the Goshen Middle School. When they got there, they tuned their instruments and went to the warm-up room. They received half an hour to practice before performing.

Choir secures gold rating at ISSMA

2nd hour choir

5th hour choir

Updated 5/1/18

By Hannah Clearwater

Staff Writer

Singing at Goshen Middle School on March 17, Concert Choir earned a gold medal rating from all three judges.

According to the judges, the singers sang their words fluently and had exquisite intonation. Additionally, they had excellent breathing technique and dynamics. They sang three pieces as two of the judges on the sides were bobbing their heads to the beat. The choir sang “Dansi Na Kuimba”, “Why We Sing”,”and “Michael Row That Gospel Boat.”

“The scariest thing for me was probably the pressure of not messing up,” said Teylore Orona.

Choir students--a mixture of both 7th and 8th graders--also participated at solo and ensemble. Mrs. Janisse assigned a piece of music to each group and soloist. The groups and solos practiced during class and after school on Thursdays. Everyone who participated received a gold medal except for one group who received a silver medal. According to some students,“they” had a hard time singing loudly and focusing due to the number of people that were in front of them and the pressure of impressing the judges.

Last year, the choir students earned a gold medal. They arrived at the school in the morning, warmed up their voices, then headed to Goshen Middle School on a bus.

By Teylore Orona

Staff Writer

The performance of Gretel was a Princess at Concord Junior High by the drama cast not only brought joy but entertainment to students, parents, and staff.

In the play, the children combined many different characters from the Brothers Grimm to form a new story, making it their own. Some of the characters included were Snow White, Cinderella, Sleeping beauty, Prince Charming, Hansel and Gretel, Little Red Riding Hood, and The Frog Prince.

The queen set out to find her lost son who had been turned into a frog, also known as the Frog Prince. She promised that whoever found him would get a huge reward. Many characters as noted above set out to find the lost prince for the reward. The Woodsmen and Little Red Riding Hood, while they sought out to find the frog prince, ran into a wolf and a burglar. Meanwhile, Gretel thought she had a new pet frog of which to feed her breadcrumbs. Gretel had not heard about the lost Frog Prince or the reward yet.

“I related to my character (the Big Bad Wolf) because I have similar personality traits to the wolf--minus the emotional issues,” said Alex Davis.

At the end of the play, Gretel runs into the Queen and many other characters with her new pet frog. After receiving a “kiss,” he was transformed into a human again. Everyone received a reward giving them their happy ending.

“My favorite part of the play was probably the musicians because they brought emotion to each scene,” said Alex Davis.

At Concord Junior High, the drama club performs a play every year. Last year, the drama cast performed The Trial of the Wicked Witch.

Students wonder at differences

By Hiromy Hernandez

Staff Writer

Ten-year-old August “Auggie” Pullman, who was born with Treacher Collins Syndrome (TCS), is no ordinary kid.

When Auggie entered Beecher Prep School, his condition made it hard for him to make friends and fit in at school. He was also bullied by Julian, and his other friends who called him names and put mean notes in Auggie’s locker.

“I felt sad for Auggie that he was being bullied for his looks but felt somehow happy that Jack and Summer chose to be friends with Auggie [rather than] being with the people who were mean to him,” said Marcial Lara.

Affecting 1 in 50,000 people, TCS impacts the development of the bones and tissues in and around the face, ears, and eyes. The movie and book differed on the description of Auggie. According the Via in Wonder, Auggie’s eyes were halfway down to his cheeks, and he had scars in some parts of the face from surgeries. He had no jawline and his skin was waxy like a candle. This description was “toned down” in the movie version of Wonder.

In the book, Jack and Julian fight in an empty hall, while in the movie, they fight in a hall full of kids. The book also developed the characters fully, but the movie editors seem to minimize the background information of the characters, making them somewhat flat.

The journalism class at CJHS met at Linway Theater to watch the movie on Friday, Dec. 8. Many had already read the book and were anticipating the movie.

Aranza said, “The saddest and moving part of the movie was when the dog died. Most of the people around me started to cry.”

Honors Band performs at LaSalle Academy

By Juan Reyes

Staff Writer

Nine students were selected for the Indiana Band Administration on November 12 at LaSalle Academy to play five musical pieces made by various composers.

Students were chosen by their band teachers to join the IBA Honors Band; however, not all of them were able to join. Out of many, only nine were selected to go and play advanced music. The choice was made by the Honor Band director.

“When I was selected, I felt like I was on top of the world,” said Sam Carnall, one of the few who was selected for the honor band.

Rehearsing for eight hours, the select few finally got to play at the concert. The concert started at 4:00 P.M. and ended around 4:30 P.M. Students had to play five pieces of music: “Cloud Gate” by Timothy Loest, “Warriors of Beijing” by Rob Grice, “Last Ride of Pony Express” by David Shaffer, “Canto” by W. Francis Mcbeth, and “Guadalcanal March” by Richard Rodgers.

“My favorite song was 'Cloud Gate' by Timothy Loest,” said Mr. Bryan Golden, the band teacher.

Students celebrate successful fundraiser

By Hannah Clearwater

Staff Writer

One hundred and sixty-three students qualified for this year’s fundraiser celebration and seventy-four qualified for the limousine ride to Cici’s.

Most of the profits made from the fundraiser go directly towards the school. A total of $ 7,770 will help with equipment, Five-Star, and many other after-school activities.

Most the students who participated in the fundraiser traveled in a limo to Cici’s Pizza and had a party in the Auxiliary Gym during the end of 5th, 6th, and 7th periods on November 21.

Many of the students who participated went door-to-door asking if anyone wanted to buy magazines or cookie dough. According to Mr. Bowen, there were less students who participated and less money raised than last year’s total of $10,000.

The top CAP class for 7th grade was Mrs. Higley, and the top 8th grade class was Mrs. Janisse.

There were also top selling students. The top selling 7th grader, Ryleigh Robinson, sold 35 items and won fifty dollars cash for being the overall winner in the school fundraiser. Rebecca Curlin, 8th grader, was the runner up; she sold 29 items, but unfortunately did not win any money.

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