Bethany’s fall instrumental concert promises to be an exciting event, featuring music from the lower school orchestra and the high school orchestra and jazz band.
I had a chance to sit down and speak with Barb Slagel, director of the instrumental groups performing this Friday. Energized and looking forward to the concert, Barb provided plenty of insight into what the audience can expect.
So, what can you tell me about the fall instrumental concert? Is there a theme this year?
There isn’t a theme for the fall. The focus on the fall concert is generally learning how to play as new ensembles and to experiment with group strengths and weaknesses.
What are you excited for in this concert? What is unique or special that you look forward to sharing with the audience?
The fall concert is always exciting because it is the only concert that we have that is ALL instrumental. It is also the first chance for our audiences to “meet” the new students in each ensemble. At this point in the school year, any performance is bound to be exciting. We’re learning how to work together, how to balance as a group, [and] how to listen and respond to each other. When the concert comes, our focus is generally good and these elements come together for the performance.
I’m also excited about the growth I’ve seen with the middle school orchestra. When we have our first class day in the fall, many of the younger students feel totally overwhelmed at the level of music we are playing. By the time the first concert comes around, they are feeling so positive about their growth. That’s the exciting part about teaching.
Nice. So do you have a favorite piece being performed at the concert on Friday?
Holst’s 1st Suite in E-flat. It is a “winds only” piece and we are being quite daring by tackling such a difficult piece so early in the year. I chose it because we have a very strong low brass section, led by Jesse Loewen (‘13), and strong trumpet section, led by Wade Troyer (‘13). This piece has definitely been a stretch and they’ve worked hard on it. Others in the community were surprised to hear we were playing it. One conductor said, “What high school group plays that piece? That’s amazing!”
What do you hope the audience takes away from this concert?
I hope they have a fun time and enjoy the music. I also hope they recognize the potential in the ensembles. Nothing will be as polished as what we produce in the spring, but the level of talent is so high. I hope the audience leaves thinking “the ensembles will go far this year.”
Anything else you would like Sightline readers to know about the concert?
I have a lot of faith in the students this year. They are hard-working and very talented. We should have a strong first concert and a very strong year overall. I’m looking forward to competing at ISSMA in the spring.
Bethany’s fall instrumental concert will be held at 7:00 pm this Friday, October 12, in the chapel. Admission is free.
~ Jesse Bontreger