Stellar Performances by Pueblo’s Youth

SARAH BRUESTLE

Pueblo City Schools presented a fine performance the evening of November 18 at South High School as the All-City High School Honor Band and Honor Choir showcased Pueblo’s high school musical talent. Guest conductor of the band, Mr. Alan Mills, Director of Bands and Assistant Professor of Music at Colorado State University-Pueblo, filled in with short notice as the scheduled guest conductor was under the weather. Guest conductor of the choir was Dr. Jennifer Shadle-Peters, Associate Professor of Music at Colorado State University-Pueblo. The audience filled the auditorium as performers’ family members and friends eagerly cheered them on throughout the evening’s performance.

The stage was filled with over 50 instrumentalists; little wiggle room was left for additional chairs or stands. The band played four selections with clarity, unity, and harmony. When I closed my eyes I felt as though I was listening to a theatrical sound track; the movie Fantasia continually popped into my mind. A memorable moment during a Swearingen selection was the horn sound coming from the sides of the auditorium. When I looked behind me I saw two students, one on each side of the auditorium adding to what sounded like a Taps solo, evoking emotion from the audience. This solo accompanied a variety of strong instrumental solos throughout the performance.

Already being amazed by the talented instrumental students, the choir followed with a stellar performance. The vocalists from multiple schools showcased their voices which blended effortlessly. The choir was able quickly sooth crying babies in the audience as they elegantly sang their way through a Schutz/Jennings selection; a calmness from their voices equivalent to the calm under an ocean current. During six selections these developing vocalist were on pitch, part and beat as they sang in multiple languages. With the assistance of their school instructors on percussion, the choir ended the night with an upbeat Spanish selection.

Bonnie Norton, Fine Arts Specialist at the Pueblo City Schools described these young artist well when she stated; “this is the best of the best of the All City Band.” Mr. Alan Mills announced with pride, “I want each and every one of them (band members) in my band at the university”. Dr. Peters admirably announced her enjoyment of working with the choir, and although she does not know the names of all of the youth after two days she feels like friends with all of them. With multiple standing ovations, the students were coached by their conductors to stand and remain standing to accept praise for a job well done.