As a homecoming from their trip to New York City and out-of-state performances in March, the returning Pequot Lakes Concert Band joined with the Pequot Lakes Symphonic Band and sixth-, seventh- and eighth-grade bands for the final concert of the school year Friday, May 13, in the high school auditorium.
The program featured an intermission slide show from the New York City experiences, as well as formal recognition and presentation of the nearly 20 graduating seniors from the Concert and Symphonic bands who were honored alongside their parents.
Accomplishments of students' instrumental skills and finesse were evident at all grade levels, with performances often intertwined with intricate solos, crossing and encompassing many musical eras and styles.
The Seventh-Grade Band's "Tubas on the Run" featured the Pequot Lakes Low Brass ensemble, augmented by high-speed, choreographed stage moves at the conductor's podium by director Michael Sommerness; the Eighth-Grade Band's "Salute to Louis Armstrong" echoed Satchmo's classic trumpet solos; and the high school Concert Band's rendition of "The Lion King" was interspersed with complex blending of clarinet, flute and trumpet solos, followed by performances from the Symphonic Band to conclude the evening.
Steven Olson is a freelance writer and photographer with Flying Cloud Exposures, Baxter.
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