Community members filled the MJSHS Auditorium on Wednesday evening, May 6, for a celebration of music and performance as local student musicians and singers presented the Annual MHS Spring Band and Vocal Concert.
The evening featured performances by the concert band, concert choir, and the vocal select ensemble New Image, highlighting months of preparation and dedication by students and directors alike.
The concert band opened the program with four selections that demonstrated both technical skill and musical expression. MJSHS Band Conductor Dennis Brooks even provided some “dad jokes” in between the performances. The MJSHS Band performed March to Concord by Rick Kirby, followed by the lively and energetic La Madre de los Gatos by Brian Beck. The band continued with the folk-inspired Kingsfold by Johnnie Vinson before concluding its portion of the evening with the dramatic and adventurous Voyage to the Edge of the World by Larry Neeck.
The MJSHS Concert Choir then took the stage with a diverse program of five selections. Their performance included the spiritual Elijah Rock, the celebratory Festival Exsultate, and the emotional ballad I Loved You. The choir also performed As I Journey On and concluded with the upbeat and spirited Swinging with the Saints.
A highlight of the evening came from New Image, the school’s vocal select group, which combined singing, choreography, and stage performance into an entertaining set. The two male performers (LeeShawn Grindstaff and Aiden Oppenheim) performed I’m Just Ken. The ladies sang the Shania Twain classic Man! I Feel Like a Woman followed by This Is Me (featuring soloist Sarai Ausherman) and Dance the Night Away. The performances featured choreography by senior Elle Scott, whose leadership and creativity helped bring energy and excitement to the stage.
Throughout the evening, the concert reflected the hard work and commitment of the students involved in the performing arts programs. From instrumental precision to vocal harmony and choreography, the performances demonstrated the many talents of local students and their dedication throughout the school year. MJSHS Director Sara Hocking provided the audience with quotes from the recent festival vocal judges, which included “the Latin was well pronounced,” “beautiful tone,” and “crispy consonants.” Even Mary Mraz received praise as the accompanist! One should note that our community is extremely blessed to have Mary Mraz's talents to support our young performers.
The annual spring concert once again served as a reminder of the strong support for music and performing arts within North Ottawa County Public Schools. It provided students with an opportunity to showcase the results of countless hours of rehearsal and preparation. Thank you for all of your hard work! The following is a list of all students who performed.
High School Vocal Students:
Jazzmine Adamson, Kaylee Anderson, Madison Brock, Charlotte Chamoff, Macee Denison, Skylar Denison, Brooklynn Derousseau, Ashlynn Disney, Charlie Farmer, Riley Fuller, Emma Haith, Madison Heckart, Brooklynn Hendrick, Brooke Hickman, Aubrey Kendall, Blayde Pagel, Hayley Parks, Ava Smith, Lily Terrill, Ian Thomson, Brecken Weatherman, Jessica Young, Kenyon Deronnet, Christian Smith, and Tait Smith.
New Image Performers:
Sarai Ausherman, Kendyn Biggs, LeeShawn Grindstaff, Kaegan Hardesty, Rylin Johnson, Aubryn Just, Brooke Kindall, Aiden Oppenheim, Hannah Ringquist, Nola Sanders, Elle Scott, Alanna Wilson, and Lorelei Wilson.
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
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