It was an evening of clapping and foot-stomping, cheers and applause for the first ever “Blast from the Past” Spring Concert Revival at LMPS (Lakeland Middle Preparatory School) tonight (5.7.19) in the school gymnasium.
The middle school bands performed four pieces before a “Mega Band” of students, former students, family and teachers, joined for the ”Blast from the Past” ensemble of about 80 members.
Another highlight of the program showcased Mallet Maniacs with teacher-to-student-to-teacher-to-student performers. “Mr. (Matt) Adler (LMPS principal) performed along with one of his former students, Colby Snider, who now teaches two of our LMPS students, Ben and Jonah Atkinson. These four gentlemen performed the mallet feature together in front of the band. It is a great way to show the students and audience members that music connects us all, and the joy of music is passed down from generation to generation,” said Anneliese Land, LMPS band director.
Among the adults in the Mega Band were LMPS faculty members Audrey Abel who played saxophone; Paula Bert Turner, flute; and Tonya Miller, horn. From Lakeland Elementary School was Dianne Davis on the flute and Robin Smith on clarinet. The Band also included a phlebotomist, retired therapist, business manager, graphic designer, retired pilot, city planner as well as band directors from other districts and private teachers and a mom.
Musician First Class Alex Ivy, the Band Booster president and a musician with the U.S. Navy Program in Millington, conducted Sousa Classics for the Mega Band. He said it was his first time to conduct, that he is always playing the tuba in a band. Mrs. Land joined the band on euphonium.
He is the father of eighth grade band member Hannah Ivy and said he and his family have orders to move to Jacksonville, FL. He thanked Mrs. Land, saying she possesses a special art form to inspire people.
Mrs. Land introduced Concert Band Member Caroline Floyd who performed a solo on the clarinet. “She is one of the finest and most natural young musicians,” said Mrs. Land. “She is musically wise beyond her years.” Caroline is one of the eighth grade members of the Band leaving LMPS and headed to high school.
The Beginning Band played Apollo Fanfare with the Concert Band presenting Chant and Celebration and Lost Lady Found. The Dollywood Festival Band (the members who went to a trophy-winning competition last week in Pigeon Forge) performed Resplendence. Mrs. Land said some of the beginning band students went to the competition and did such a great job. Essentially, she said, the LMPS Fine Arts Department (including Choir and Orchestra) swept the competition by bringing home seven trophies.
The final piece played by the “Blast from the Past” Band was a medley of Queen Songs which prompted foot-stomping and clapping to We Will Rock You, Another One Bites the Dust and We Are the Champions.
Mrs. Land asked the eighth grade Band members to come forward so parents could take pictures from their last concert at LMPS. “They have done everything I have asked of them,” said Mrs. Land. “I will miss them dearly. We are sad to lose them but I know they are onto to bigger and better things.”
Google album: https://photos.app.goo.gl/BpeRtM4kkZAAkgN79
… Photos, video by Jim Willis, Lakeland Currents
