On Friday, May 2nd Fair Grove High School Band and Choir held their Spring concert to conclude the school year and give recognition to some of the pieces of music they performed over the course of the school year.
Natalie Palomo, the band director for both middle school and high school, expressed that they prepared for this concert all of second semester during class time.
Anderson Teaster (9), a member of high school band, stated, “ I feel like I’ve improved the most at being quicker at sight reading music.”
Taylor Waltz (9), another member of the high school band, explained how she saw improvement with playing her instrument this year, “… I feel like I have improved my confidence and fast playing ability.”
Palomo noted a few of the songs performed by the high school band at this concert were, “Variants,” “Nostalgia,” “Excerpts from Moana,” “Burn After Reading,” “Psalm 42,” and “Celtic Ritual.”
The Spring Concert is played with what Palomo described being to create impactful musical experiences for the audience, and to enjoy making music with the graduating senior class one final time.
This year seniors in Fair Grove High School Band are Riley Frazier, Carson Krider, Brielle Mahr, Collin Emery, Keith Nolan, Caitlin Cook, Jayden Rice, Kaden Baker, Andrew Juliano, and Luke Engel.
Keith Nolan (12), a member of high school band who has now graduated, mentioned, “I am pretty sad that I have played for the last time with this band, and to see my time in band come to an end is pretty sad.”
Nolan explained that throughout his life from band being that, “I will carry the grit and determination that it has taken to be in band. Everyday, you have to show up and give it your best.”
As the seniors retire their positions in band both Teaster and Waltz have mentioned looking forward to the opening positions of becoming leaders and the opportunity they will have to help next year’s incoming freshmen with all the experience they have gained.
Overall this year was very successful, the band played some of their most challenging music yet. Palomo stated that students, “… really rose to the occasion to push themselves to improve every rehearsal.
Next school year Palomo is eager to continue growing their musicality through concert band and marching season and explained that, “We pushed ourselves this year with tough literature and I hope to keep doing so next year.”
