On May 21, the Freedom Area Jazz and Concert Band took on their annual challenge of performing their spring concert. The concert was held in the high school auditorium, where the doors opened at 6:30 p.m. Walking in, parents were met with the gleaming look on their children’s faces, as they prepared to show off all their hard work throughout the year. Each year, this concert is not only a final hurrah for all the seniors but also shows off the hard work, grit and determination the band puts into its program.
The event started with the jazz band performing the classic Latin tune, made popular by Michael Buble, “Sway,” and followed it with “Brown Eyed Girl.” After this, the 7th and 8th grade band performed three pieces. Students were able to introduce each song before performing. After the middle school performed their segments, the high school band ended the night by playing “English Folk Song Suite,” “Parting Glass” and an arrangement of three Arabian dances. “Parting Glass” was performed to honor the graduating seniors and the recent passing of a former band director.
“I really enjoyed the concert this year, and got the chance to spend my last time with the band. Even though I am graduating, the band did a lot for me, and I was super happy I got the chance to do it,” Ryan Fesseler (12) said.
In the process of performing, students were given solos to shine a spotlight on their talents. Students like Calla Reynolds (11), Jonathan Bruce (11), Charlotte Rywolt (9), and Phoebe Smith (11) were given solos to highlight their growth and improvement in their respective sections.
Along with the recognition of students, the band director, Ms. Lawrence, also highlighted the graduating seniors. During the concert, the director gave a speech about every senior and highlighted their accomplishments during their years at Freedom. Along with speeches, senior Jesse Reinhardt (12) was awarded the Tom Taverna scholarship. He wrote an essay about how the band had changed his perspective on life and helped him get through high school.
“Getting to say goodbye to everyone was nice, especially since I’ve been doing the band forever. I am really gonna miss the atmosphere in the band, and hopefully I will get the chance to see them in action at the football games or at concerts,” Elias Boyd (12) said.
Near the end of the night, Hailey Stinar (12) gave a brief “thank you” speech to Lawrence and highlighted all her hard work for the students. The band boosters gave Lawrence flowers in appreciation for her work, and had Fessler and Boyd announce the fifty-fifty. The director catered a cheesecake for the students before the concert.
With a fun-filled night, a lot of memories and tears like no other, the band once again orchestrated a concert like never before. Turning heads and making noise is more than just a hobby; it is a life, and to many, something that means the world to them.