Great music breaks up holiday rush

Sharon McLeay
Times Contributor

 

Those who missed the Strathmore High School (SHS) winter band performance on Dec. 12 missed a truly delightful evening to kick back and rest from their holiday preparations.
The musicians and choral group performed some very complex pieces with precision and unity.
“These students work harder than they should and probably don’t get as much praise from me as they should; they are all great musicians and great people. It is a pleasure to work with them,” said Brian Allsopp, SHS band director.
Some of the night’s selections included the jazz numbers Mack the Knife, Softly from My Window and Backrow Politics. The chamber choral numbers moved through seven challenging numbers. A few examples were soft ballads like What Maiden Weeping and Roses I Send to You, the upbeat Ain’t No Sunshine, and a musical theatre number from Little Shop of Horrors. The songs showcased the group’s ability to blend harmony and featured several voice types.
The audience was treated to stories and background information surrounding the selections. Allsopp piqued the interest of audience members who may have been unfamiliar with the music played.
Several of the students showcased their multiple talents by playing more than one instrument and also singing throughout the evening performance. The concert band performed well together and showed the talent of the various instrument voices in the orchestra, as well as closely following the direction of their maestro, to bring the emotion of the pieces to the audience.
The success of a good music program often rests with the calibre of teaching staff. Strathmore High School is indeed fortunate to have dedicated and talented teachers teaching the music, band and theatre programs.
The SHS band is set to perform in Calgary, Banff and an international destination, yet to be determined.
Spring and summer performances will be held Mar. 14 and May 30, 2017.