The Minneapolis Junior/Senior High School auditorium was filled with holiday music during its Winter Band Concert on Wednesday, December 17. Dennis Brooks, MJSHS Band Director, conducted the evening’s performance, delighting the audience not only with strong musical selections but also with a few well-timed holiday “dad-jokes” that garnered some laughter throughout the concert.
The Junior High Band performed five pieces: Abominable Snowman Chase, Wrath of the Mechanical Monsters, Minka’s Sleigh Ride, Santa the Barbarian, and Drive. Mr. Brooks noted that several selections were composed by Randall D. Standridge, who once served as a band teacher but is now a professional composer. Standridge’s work is written with junior high and high school students in mind, which, according to Mr. Brooks, makes it easier for students with diverse skill levels to engage with the music.
The High School Band followed with Snowscape, Haunted Sleigh Ride, Christmas Around the World, and A Holiday Galop. Reflecting on the past fall semester, Mr. Brooks said, “I have a unique perspective to see these students develop as musicians beginning at 5th grade, all the way up to high school. Watching them learn to play 'Hot Cross Buns' and gain skills to play more complex pieces of music is a great honor! The students work very hard to improve daily.”
Jacob Woehl, MJSHS Senior, is one of those students. Jacob noted, “I have grown a lot by participating in band. It has helped me get out of my comfort zone. It has made me become not only a better performer but a better person.”
If you missed this past performance, no worries, the MJSHS Music Department has much more to offer this year. Save the following band and vocal concert dates on your calendar.
May 5: High School Band/Vocal Concert at 6:30 p.m. at MJSHS
May 11: Junior High Band/Vocal Concert at 6:30 p.m. at MJSHS
A special thank you to the students for all of your hard work this past semester!
Minneapolis Junior High School Band Members by Instrument:
Flutes: Marrina Arnold, Kyiah Hoffhines, Ava Pratt, Paige Shaft, Hadley Smith, Lily Starr,
Maile Wilson
Clarinets: Stephanie De La Cruz Martinez, Ocean Smith
Alto Saxes: Peyton Chesney, Jameson Donovan, Zayden Hendrick, Mackley Newhouse
Trumpets: Austin Crosson, Easton Donovan, Asher Harris, Dawson Kindall, Madex Swisher
Trombone: Justus Pickrell
Tuba: Mason Hauck
Percussion: Jon Chamoff, Adylaen Folger, Myke Harig, Easton Klein, Hunter Knudsen,
Keaton Knudsen, Braelyn Kuder, Traxtyn McGuire, Kaysyn Stanley, Julie VanHyfte
Minneapolis High School Band Members by Instrument:
Flutes: Destine’ Rutledge, Jacob Woehl
Clarinets: Sarai Ausherman, Sebastian De La Cruz Martinez, Eloise Shipley-Clark,
Emmalina Stevens, Olivia Stevens
Bass Clarinet: Colbey Hyde, Denzil Smith
Alto Saxes: Izzy Cross, Ryan Lott, Aiden Pieschl, Stephen Thomson
Tenor Saxes: Grady Kelly
Trumpets: LeeShawn Grindstaff, Viola Isaacson, Serenity Miller
Tuba: Bryce Zelenka
Percussion: Alli Darnall, Joe Goheen, Sarah Mersch, Brogan Kelly