Giving their first shows of this year, students in Chapel Hill High School’s musical groups performed a series of concerts at Hanes Theatre last month.
The instrumental groups—the jazz ensemble, the orchestra, and the concert and symphonic bands—played free concerts October 16, 17 and 18, respectively. The chorus performed the following week, on October 25, with a suggested five-dollar donation.
The chorus teacher, Alyssa Gillikin, said her students “did a very good job,” despite having lost about a week of rehearsal time due to inclement weather. Though the shows took place only six weeks into the school year, band teacher John Carmichael said the performances were successful.
“That’s a quick turnaround, and we met the challenge,” Carmichael said. “They were all very good concerts. I would probably say this was one of the best jazz concerts we’ve ever given—very entertaining.”
Music teachers said they appreciated the support from community members and administrative staff, such as Principal Charles Blanchard, who attended all of the concerts.
“That is some tremendous support for the arts, students and parents,” Carmichael said. “We, as teachers, notice this, and it’s a good thing. We feel like we’re valued for the efforts that we make and the concerts we put on.”
Senior Grace Waugh, who plays tenor saxophone and flute for the jazz band, said she “definitely wishes” that more people would come to the concerts at Chapel Hill. “Not everyone knows when our performances are, but Principal Blanchard has been very good at telling people,” she said. “He showed up himself, so that was awesome. It’s still mostly parents, but there was a good number of my friends. It’s getting there.”
Just outside Hanes Theatre, concertgoers could buy flowers as gifts to students and music teachers from the school’s Performing Arts Lovers (PALS) booster club. It was the first time PALS offered flowers for sale, booster president Jenn Collins said, having previously sold concessions and allowed parents to purchase plaques on the backs of theatre chairs.
“It’s been a good, successful week,” Collins said. “We hope this does become a regular thing for us.” Blanchard later said in an email that PALS raised over $500 during the October concerts.
In the jazz band, senior Grant Coleman, on baritone saxophone, played a featured solo throughout “Out Back of the Barn” by Gerry Mulligan.
“Half of it was improvised,” Coleman said. “I can give it my own flavor, so to speak, or put my own spin on the original melody.”
In symphonic band, Carmichael asked senior Tommy Walker, who plays euphonium, to guest-conduct the song “Ascend” by Samuel Hazo.
“This was the first time I conducted with a baton in front of an audience. Doc wanted me to do mixed-meter stuff—this song has 4/4, 3/4, 2/4,” Walker said. “I worked with the band on dynamics, circulation and trying to polish it.”
Carmichael said the song was trickier than songs he has previously given to student-conductors, but Walker, a drum major in marching band, “took to it very quickly.”
“He’s watched me, and he’s given a countless number of concerts and played a countless number of tunes with me conducting. A lot of that sinks in,” Carmichael said. “Whether he feels he’s studied conducting or not, he has—really, all my students have—by virtue of being in the ensemble.”
In chamber choir, junior Julia Rinehart had a solo at the end of “Esto Les Digo” by Kinley Lange.
“The song is beautiful, calming and has many tight harmonies. In this context, loved ones are gathered in remembrance of me, and my voice comes in saying, ‘I am here with you,’” Rinehart said. “I really enjoyed getting to hear the other groups, as well, and singing with all of the talented people is an honor.”
Two upcoming shows, including holiday-themed music, are planned for December: one night with the jazz and concert bands, the other with the orchestra, symphonic band and chorus. The latter night will include a collaborative piece, “Sleigh Ride” by Leroy Anderson, with all three groups.
“It’s hard to get everybody on stage, and we might have to have some people on the floor, but we did it last year,” Carmichael said. “It was the most-attended concert we’ve given, by virtue of the fact that we have the band, orchestra and chorus communities in the room. It’s huge, and our kids really enjoy playing for good audiences like that. Come see it.”
