A Recital To Remember
The Tri-M Honors Society requires five hours of music-related community service and a performance at one of two recitals. The first one was held on Sunday, February 9. Even though only about half of the members performed at this recital, all members were encouraged to come and support others. There were five performances and eight performers.
Lillie Matiko (10) played and sang “Jerome” by Lizzo on the ukulele. Kierra Griffith (11) and Alexa Myers (10) sang “That’s What’s Up” by Edward Sharpe & the Magnetic Zeros as a duet. Ella Heckman (12), Harley Lane (11), and Faith Mitchell (12) performed a short musical skit called “Tiny Umbrella Song” by Danny Casale. Dylan Parker (10) sang “Pinch Me” by Steven Page & Ed Robertson. Finally, Patrick Hicks (12) ended by playing a marimba solo he wrote called “Lullaby”.
“I wanted to do a duet and play guitar because I like to hear the different parts of voices come together and I knew Alexa really liked the song,” said Kierra Griffith (11).
Everyone in Tri-M has a love for music and can’t help but share it. It is even more fun to explore it with others. Everyone likes some kind of music and using that to connect with others is a great way to have a good time.
“We wanted to lighten the mood a bit in between performances,” said Faith Mitchell (12).
The recitals aren’t meant to be super strict as an intense atmosphere can make people nervous. It is supposed to be fun overall and if you can get someone to be happy before and after they’ve performed, you’ve done your job.
“I plan to perform at the next recital. I’m hoping I can get up enough courage to perform on my own just to kinda put myself out there without relying on other people,” said Griffith.
The whole purpose of these recitals is to build confidence in front of crowds. You should be confident and comfortable when performing. If not, it can be hard to enjoy yourself and could stop you altogether.
Almost, Maine
This year’s fall production, Almost, Maine, is set in a place called Almost in Maine. It is technically not a town because that requires people to get together and organize it to become one. Since that never happened, it’s inhabitants just call it Almost.
Each scene was student-directed and the whole play featured several love stories that are all happening simultaneously.
“I think there were 8 in total,” said Ella Heckman (12).
Each of the scenes are completely independent of each other. They don’t necessarily happen chronologically and don’t rely on each other for the story to make sense. It’s just a collage of many stories.
“We all practiced in our own groups,” said Audra Hissong (10). “And then we had two rehearsals before the show to run through the whole thing.”
In one of the scenes, a bachelorette was having a party at a restaurant and ran into her ex- boyfriend. This particular story focused on a love that was, rather than one that will be or the formation of one.
“We each auditioned for our parts,” said Lillie Matiko (10). “I wanted my part.”
Another scene featured a man asking a woman to marry him, to which he got no response and the two drifted apart. After some time, she shows up at his doorstep with an answer.
“Ella and I said it was probably about 5-7 years,” said Connor Slemp (9) between the time that she was asked and the time she gave the answer.
He explains to her the pain that this would cause. The scene ends with a woman calling his name which would show that he’s with someone and possibly married.
“It was the first time I ever did something like that, but it turned out to be extremely fun and a good experience,” said Slemp.
The play’s debut was December 20 and 21 and was performed in the JB auditorium. It was only the third time ever performed as a whole since each scene was always individually rehearsed. Even with multiple directors and little time for whole run-throughs, it flowed smoothly and was enjoyed by the audience.
Back On Track
Have you ever felt down and lost in life, or feel like you have lost control?
“Back On Track” is the title of the 2019-20 Marching Band show that focuses on the idea of recovering and getting back on track when life knocks you down.
“My favorite part about the show is the emotional transition before ‘Man of Constant Sorrow,’” said Connor Slemp (9). “It reminds me of going to high school when I gained freedom.”
Everyone has their own ways of dealing with their issues and it is important that you do so you can recover. As the show progresses, the railroad is broken and they put the pieces together to signify overcoming challenges.
“Everyone has struggles in life,” said Teagan Starenchak (10). “Music is something I can use to get through them.”
In the show, prisoners and railroad workers use music to get their mind off of the back-breaking work. Worrying about the issue will often stress a person out so one could use music to find their way.
“My family is based around music so playing music reminds me of good times with them,” said Slemp.
The closer of the show is the song, “I’ll Fly Away,” to show overcoming challenges. It’s much faster and a stronger song than “Down To The River To Pray,” which was in the ballad.
“It generally takes me about a week to get over most things but other things take longer,” said Slemp.
The show expresses a change through many emotions and ups and downs to get to the goal. You just have to push through like a train ready to get back on track and get through it.
“Many times I’ve wanted to give up, but I knew I shouldn’t because there are others who depend on me,” said Slemp.
Life isn’t always easy and when it’s not, you have to keep your mind focused on your goal and stay determined like a train that won’t stop.
