Band students opened the concert with "Ode to Joy," a composition and historical piece by Beethoven, arranged by Mr. Sigler especially for the students to better fir their range and ability level. Next, Band played "Whale Song," a composition that utilized the recorded cries of a whale in Hawaii and an arrangement by Mr. Sigler that provided students with an accompaniment for the cries of the whale. During this song, students even utilized a rainstick and an ocean drum to add some additional sounds that mimicked sounds of ocean waves. Finally, Band played "Battle for Mars," a final arrangement by Mr. Sigler, written in the style of an exciting SciFi Movie but in a range that fit the students current grade, age and ability level. The Band students especially enjoyed the unique approaches to their concert through the last two playful songs. The band was comprised of students playing flute, clarinet, trumpet and trombone.
Orchestra students kicked off their concert with "First Scale March" by Mark Williams followed by "March of the Metro Gnome" by Fred Hubbell; these songs showed the D Major Scale. Each student's instrument was adorned with a series of ribbons hanging from the instrument's neck that symbolized their progress in the steps of the Suzuki system utilized in the Orchestra classroom. In the middle of the Orchestra Concert, 3rd grader, Aubrey, took the stage to solo with Mrs. Morris on cello; they played "French Folk Song." The Orchestra ended their concert with "Sahara Crossing" by Richard Meyer, which taught new finger patterns, and "Fiddles on Fire" by Mark Williams, which was a playful piece that students enjoy and taught how to use the bow more effectively. Throughout the concert, Orchestra students added a few surprises such as a foot stomp before ending a song. The Orchestra was comprised of students playing violin, viola, cello, and bass.
The Diggs-Latham Band and Orchestra students have had a successful year. They met for before and after school rehearsals and partnered with the Winston-Salem Symphony P.L.A.Y. Music Program and the University of North Carolina ArtistCorp program.
Congratulations to 5th grade Band and Orchestra students for a successful, last concert in Elementary School, and we wish you much success in middle school. To our 3rd and 4th grade Band and Orchestra Focus Group students, we look forward to your future concerts.
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