VWHS bands, choir headed to state finals

VWHS music department information

Following an outstanding district contest showing in early March, the Van Wert High School Concert Choir, Concert Band and Symphony Band will travel to state contest this Friday, May 4. The three groups will perform as part of the Ohio Music Education Association’s State Band and Choir Finals. This is fourth consecutive year, and the fifth time in six years, that both bands of qualified for state finals.

The Concert Band will perform in the Findlay High School Gymnasium at 4:30 p.m. The band will be performing a challenging Class C program that includes “Bonds of Unity” by Karl King, “Apparitions” by Brian Balmages, and “Fanfare, Ode & Festival” by Bob Margolis. The Concert Band has received four consecutive “superior” ratings at state finals under the direction of Karen Kelly. After her recent retirement the band is now under the direction of Tina Decker.

Next, the Symphony Band will perform at 6 p.m. in the Findlay High School Auditorium. The group will be performing a challenging Class A program that includes “The Lambs’ March” by John Philip Sousa, “Grant Them Eternal Rest” by Andrew Boysen Jr. and “Invocation and Psalm” by Vincent Gassi. The Symphony Band is under the direction of Robert H. Sloan.

The final Van Wert group of the evening will be the Concert Choir. It will perform in the Van Buren High School Auditorium at 9:10 p.m. The choir will be performing a challenging Class B program that includes “Cantate Domino” by Mark Hayes, “Earth Song” by Frank Ticheli and “Witness” by Jack Halloran. The Concert Choir most recently received a “superior” rating at state finals in 2011 under the direction of Tonia Gamble. This year the choir is under the direction of Julia Reichert and accompanied on piano by Marilyn Alessandrini and Annette Hoverman.

Following their performances, the groups will not have to wait long to find out their final rating as they will be posted in the cafeteria soon after each performance. Regardless of outcome it should be noted that making it to state finals is an outstanding accomplishment.

It should be noted that OMEA regulations prohibit the use of any audio or video recording devices, including (but not limited to) cell phones, cameras (still or motion), tape recorders, or any other recording device. Failure to comply may result in the disqualification of the school.

Following state finals, the groups will continue to prepare for spring performances, including spring concerts and graduation.

For more information on any of these events please visit the VWHS band website at www.vanwertbands.org, “like” them on Facebook at Van Wert Bands Information, or call the Music Department at 419.238.3722.