DECATUR — The Decatur schools' music program showed off its many talented and gifted musicians in the final concert of the 2015-16 school year.
The school bands, along with the high school choir, performed works by Rossini, Offenbach, Newman and Fillmore in the high school cafeteria May 5. The groups are under the direction of Jesse Owens, who is completing his first year at Decatur.
The beginners' band is made up of sixth-grade students from Decatur Middle School. These students have very little to no formal musical training. The students choose an instrument they wish to learn. Owens takes these students and provides the proper training in the technique of that instrument. In addition, the students receive training in reading music. Next year, the students will move into the middle school band program.
The middle school band consists of seventh- and eighth-grade students with the abilities and desire to continue their musical studies. This group receives more advanced training in sight reading and ensemble work. Once students reach their freshman year, they will advance to the high school concert band.
This year's high school band has accomplished many firsts this school year. The most notable was the Honor Flight return celebration at Northwest Arkansas Regional Airport April 20.
The band performed three works for concert band, "Jubilane" by James Swearingen, "Silent Stands the Elm" by Roland Barrett and "His Honor" by Henry Fillmore.
The High School Band will next perform at the Decatur graduation ceremony on May 15.
General News on 05/11/2016