On Monday, Dec. 22, district elementary schools, including Baker, Ebner, Juniata, Juniata Gap, Logan, Mcauliffe Heights, Penn-Lincoln and Pleasant Valley joined the high school band to perform an array of holiday songs and traditional hits.
“For many of them [elementary students], it’s their first concert,” high school band director Brandon Kunder said. “This is the eighth one that we’ve done since it’s [the concert] started. It’s a chance for the kids to see the high school, meet the teachers and high school students and get informed.”
The elementary ensembles consisted of fourth and fifth graders. Music teacher Kelly Myers instructs students at Baker, Pleasant Valley and Penn Lincoln.
“We have a challenge for them to play ‘Deck the Halls’ and some other holiday tunes,” Myers said. “We have a mix of music that is for our beginners and also for our second year players. It’s also their [elementary students’] first experience of getting together with all of the band members from all eight elementary schools.”
Fifth grader Peyton McCully attends Pleasant Valley elementary school.
“I like getting to see different levels on the stage,” McCully said. “I think it’s cool how they [high schoolers] have more experience.”
This is her second year performing in the concert.
Fifth grader Avery George goes to Baker elementary school.
“I feel really good getting to play with the high schoolers, and it’s exciting to play for all of the people in the crowd,” George said.
He plays the saxophone and is taught by Myers.
Senior Andrew Sackett plays the bass and senior Sage Bower plays the alto saxophone in the advanced jazz ensemble.
“I love showing the kids what we do, showing them what high school music is all about and getting them excited,” Sackett said.
“It’s nice that they [elementary students] can see what they can do in high school,” Bower said. “There’s so many different fine arts activities that they can be involved in.”
This is one of their last performances with the elementary school students.
The concert took place at 7 p.m. in the high school auditorium. Tickets were $4 at the front main entrance.
“It’s very special for our audience and a really fun, great way to end the first half of the year before the holiday, especially because it’s some of the kids’ first time performing on a stage like this,” Myers said.
