The finale to the LMPS (Lakeland Middle Preparatory School) Orchestra Winter Concert brought a standing ovation from the audience last night (12.17.19) in the school gymnasium.
Paula Bert Turner is the director of the orchestras. Directors of the LMPS Band, Brent Hopper, and Choir, Frances Miller, assisted on some of the pieces.
Link to Google album: https://photos.app.goo.gl/kNQ3ARzgTKtyqWzD9
Both Beginning and Concert Orchestras joined for the finale, a combined ensemble featuring the Lakeland School Superintendent narrating as the musicians played versions of “Twinkle Twinkle Little Star.”
The performance, as explained by Dr. Ted Horrell, was to compare the work and skills of orchestra students to those in academic classes. The students played six versions of the well-known children’s song, each time with more participation and accuracy.
Dr. Horrell said music is a group effort and it’s not enough for just one student to earn an A. To make the music pleasing to the musicians and audience, all in the orchestra must excel. The musicians then played with 85% accuracy, which would be a B in any other class, said Dr. Horrell. Next came 93% which would equal an A. The highpoint of the song was the sixth version with all musicians playing with 100% accuracy with maximum effort and appropriate expression.
Mrs. Turner noted the program lists Beginning Orchestra students in bold and italic with Concert Orchestra students underscored.
The Beginning Orchestra took to the stage first showcasing three pieces. Mrs. Turner reminded attendees the beginning students have come a long way musically since their Fall Showcase.
For Concert Orchestra there were a variety of pieces, with Mrs. Turner giving perspective on each one. “Somewhere in my Memory” from the movie Home Alone seemed to be a crowd favorite.
The LMPS Orchestra Boosters raised over $600 with a Silent Auction during the evening.
The Mid-Winter Orchestra Concert will be Feb. 22nd. In April, they will play in the lobby of the Cannon Center for the Performing Arts before the Memphis Symphony concert. They also have a spring trip planned.
… Photos by Jim Willis, Lakeland Currents
