Another semester in the books and our music students are still working hard and shining bright. We continued with our fundraising efforts with the Music Produce Sale and Birthday Community Calendar. A huge shout-out to Alaska Marine Lines (Lynden) for donating freight for the produce sale. We could not do it without you. Thank you so much to everyone who supported our efforts. Listen to KLAM-AM/KCDV-FM daily for birthday and anniversary shout outs!
Seven of our music students were selected to the 2019 Alaska All-State Music Festival Choirs. With over 600 choral auditions submitted statewide, Brian Allison, Kaleb Carrillo and William Deaton were selected to the bass section of the mixed choir with Kaleb getting a first chair candidacy. Autumn Deaton was selected to the tenor section and Madelyn Roemhildt, the soprano section. In the treble choir, Ria Smyke and Jessica Wray sang in the alto section. To have seven students selected from our small school is amazing. We had more accepted than some 4-A schools. These students worked their tails off to submit solid auditions and their hard work was rewarded. We had a blast making music at the November festival.
Upon returning from the aforementioned festival, we were in full concert season mode. The 6th-12th grade Winter Concert, held in the CHS Gym on Dec. 3, was full of inspiring music. Our new mantra at the “big kid” level of music is: “We make music to inspire, not to impress.”
This seemed to help us stay calm and have more fun making the music come off the page. Music from all different genres was heard from blues, to Welsh folk songs, to German Christmas carols. The junior high band even showed off their drumming skills in the dark. Thanks to ACE for donating 5-gallon buckets for our creative work.
Kindergarten through 4th grade students were practicing for their winter musical, “Toys! The Night They Come Alive!” Fourth-graders learned lines, 3rd graders learned to Tango, and all students learned about the magic of believing. Mrs. Hottinger’s home economics students made the costumes and Alena Craig created the princess doll aprons. Mr. Pearson created an epic Jack-in-the-box and parents helped wrap boxes. Adorableness soon took over the Simpler Gym on December 10.
The beginning of the year started with 5th graders experiencing their respective instruments for the first time. After much squeaking, groaning and “ah-ha!” moments, they presented a 5th grade showcase on Dec. 13. Each instrument section played their own piece and the band played two pieces together. The short concert was presented to parents and loved ones during school and was followed by delicious cookies provided by Sandi Ponte.
We in the music department of the Cordova School District are always busy, but it is important to remember the real reason we work so hard, the real reason we make music: to remind us of our humanity and to invoke emotions you often keep hidden. From the bottom of our hearts, thank you for letting us inspire you.
