With the minor glitch from the proverbial gremlin in the microphone, the band played on. The Jazz Ensemble began the night with Howard Rowe’s “Run With It.” They then played a favorite of director Tim Siewert, “What A Wonderful World,” an arrangement by Paul Murtha. They finished their portion of the night with a jumping piece called “Watermelon Man,” and the crowd shared their enthusiasm with a resounding applause at the finale of the Jazz Band’s performance.
The saxophone section then played a rendition of George Michael’s “Careless Whisper” from the 1980s. Matt Dahle was seen playing his sax on his knees with his arms tangled around his leg.
After the saxophones wandered out of the gym, the seniors appeared in sombreros and T-shirts with ties, and although Pee Wee Herman wasn’t available to dance, they played a great arrangement of “Tequila” by Paul Lavender. Let’s not forget the image of Director Siewert in his too-small sombrero, a gift from the senior band members. There was a snicker or two when he put it on.
Next in line was the drum line, with a David England piece called Trash-Trash Trashcans. This number featured aluminum garbage cans, plastic drum barrels and paint buckets stacked in different heights for different tones. Trash can lid cymbals rounded out the performance. This selection may have been the highlight of the night, based on the crowd’s response. It truly was exciting and a great way to put everyday objects to musical use.
After the drum line, the color guard demonstrated their dance and flag talents to the beat of “All the lights” by Kanye West. There were twirls and twists and lots of color as the flags were spun round and round. You could feel the crowd suck in a breath as they tossed up the flags, and exhaling when every one of the beautiful smiling guard caught them in unison.
After a brief intermission and a change into uniforms, the marching band stepped to a patriotic beat to entice the audience, remembering the 10th anniversary of the September 11th events at the World Trade Center Towers. The band began with “God Bless America” arranged by Jay Bocook and then played a piece by Jay Dawson entitled, “In Defense of Liberty,” which coupled well with the September 11th memorial theme. They moved into “America the Beautiful,” arranged by Carmen Dragon and completed the march in a formation of stars set to a tune called “Our National March” by John Phillip Sousa.
The band stood at parade rest during the awards presentation led by Siewert.
Kendra Grothem was the first recognized, presented the Most Improved award, although Siewert noted the entire band had tremendous improvement over the season.
The next award was Rookie of the Year, which was given to Aurora Strom for her positive attitude and outgoing personality.
The next award went to senior Hannah Haroldson for the Color Guard Member of the Year. As the outgoing captain, she will be missed by all.
Finally, the Panther of the Year award was given to Matt Dahle for his leadership in the drum line and his attention to small details on and off the marching beat this season.
In addition to the awards, the 2012 season band leaders were also announced. The new color guard captains will be Emmy Hobbs and Maddie Reed. Junior Drum Major Erin Larson will fill the Senior Drum Major position with Hannah Light chosen as the Junior Drum Major.
The awards presentation was completed with the unveiling of the new band uniforms that they have been diligently raising money to purchase. The current uniforms are almost 20 years old, and as with all good things, it has come time for their retirement. Donations to assist in the cost of these uniforms can be made directly to the NRHEG Marching Band Uniform Fund. Contact Siewert or the Band Booster members.
The night then transitioned into a fun piece for children 12 and under in the audience. They came down from the bleachers in a crowd of more than 30 and danced their hearts out to Michael Sweeney’s “The Chicken Dance.” Those who were familiar jumped right in. The newbies were given instruction by the color guard members. In all, the piece was in classic form and left smiles of joy on everyone’s faces.
Finally, the night came to a close with a piece entitled “Battlefield” by Rene Dupere. The band marched and the color guard complemented their routine with the music, which included the entire band enacting a mock battle during a drum line beat in the middle of the piece.
It was a great musical performance by all. Each section exited the concert in their own creative style, including a group lusting over Lindsay Lohan and the baritones dancing out with their instruments over their heads. There were many amazing spotlights during the evening’s performance and Siewert’s abilities as director are evident in the talent displayed.
It’s obvious by the amount of time spent preparing for this concert, and the amount of talent in the group, that they enjoy what they are doing. And sharing these talents with the community is what inspires them most.
BEST OF THE BEST — NRHEG Band Director Tim Siewert, left, presented 2011 awards Tuesday, Nov. 22 to, from left, Kendra Grothem, Most Improved; Hannah Haroldson, Color Guard Member of the Year; Aurora Strom, Rookie of the Year; and Matt Dahle, Panther of the Year. (Star Eagle photo by Nikki Erickson)
