Martha's Vineyard Middle School Students Perform for the Island. May 12th 2016

Last Thursday evening saw the Martha’s Vineyard Regional High School Performing Arts Center packed out for the Spring All Island School Band Concert. 

Students from each of the 4 island middle schools in grades 4-8 performed pieces that they have been learning this year. From beginners “Hot Cross Buns” to the more complicated “Star Wars” theme. The concert really shows how these musicians grow in the years they are involved in band.

The 20 piece jazz band, dressed in all black, opened the show, performing some familiar tunes including “Moondance”, with solos by some of the older musicians.

After jazz it was the beginners turn where no less than 23 aspiring drummers hit the stage to perform “Barnum and Baileys Circus March”, their teacher Julie Schilling explained that they chose it to honor of the retirement of the elephants from the circus. The "B" band practice in their individual schools through the year and then come together only a handful of times before they perform as an ensemble. It’s amazing what these teachers and children accomplish.

The youngest musicians were next up,  showng the audience where all the musicians had to start and performing with only a few squeeks! They did an excellent job considering they had only been playing a few months. They were then joined on stage by the whole band – over 200 performers came together for a rousing performance of the Star Wars theme. It was quite something!

The "A" band, 7th and 8th grade students, recently back from winning gold at the Great East Band Festival, remained on stage to close the show with “America” from West Side Story and a more contemporary pop hit “Best Days of My life”. (click here for the MV Times article June 2nd)

Teacher Ruth Chapman acknowledged the 8th graders who will be moving on to High School next year, making way for the next generation of budding musicians.