The applause told the story tonight (12.13.18) at LMPS (Lakeland Middle Preparatory School).
The encore of the evening was Wow.
The event was “Merry & Bright” – A Winter Music Festival featuring the Beginning Orchestra and Concert Orchestra at the middle school.
Paula Turner directed her Concert Orchestra in the final piece of the evening to replicate a concert piece by Trans-Siberian Orchestra, known for its energetic music, string section and light show.
The song was “Rest Ye Merry, Rock Ye Very” by Brian Balmages. The spirited performance was complete with multicolored lights dancing on the ceiling of the school Cafetorium.
Choir Director Mrs. Turner characterized the number as the encore because it followed the finale which was “Bolero de Strings.”
The 30-member Concert Orchestra played three other pieces during the evening:
- Angels in Royal David’s City
- Gamelan from ‘O’
- Bolero de Strings
Soloists for the first Concert Orchestra piece were Marian Jamora on violin; Grace Choi, viola; and Piper Pittman, cello.
The 27-member Beginning Orchestra presented three pieces:
- Jingle Joy
- Sleigh Ride in the Park
- Entry of the Tumblers
The two orchestras combined to perform a piece called “Twinkle for Lion Strings,” arranged by local music teacher Andrew Palmer, said Mrs. Turner. The beginners played from the floor in front of the platform while the Concert Orchestra played from the stage.
Google album: https://photos.app.goo.gl/TZEbHMvAdrsveSvSA
Mrs. Turner complimented her students on the outstanding progress they made in mastering the new music. She said for six weeks the students stayed after school, putting in 75 man hours of work to get ready for the program. She noted this was the first time she had seen such effort by middle school students.
During intermissions, Jodi Davis, president of the LMPS Orchestra Booster Executive Board, awarded door prizes and silent auction items.
Tonight’s concert followed two others in the LMPS Fine Arts Department. Choir presented Winter Music Celebration – “Season’s Greetings” Dec. 4. The Winter Band Concert – “Jingle All the Way” was Tuesday night.
… Photos and video by Jim Willis, Lakeland Currents
