Dr. Charles Smith, Gilpin County. The Gilpin County School District Middle School and High School Choral and Instrumental ensembles presented their March program on Wednesday, March 3, 2020. 

The 28 member chorus started the evening by demonstrating choral warm ups and then opened the program with a piece entitled Seize The Day.  The students performed their entire program by being memorized and the two part as well as three part musical selections were sung with energy and clear diction. There was a very nice ensemble sound with these young students. The intonation was generally in good order.

The microphone system employed during the performance was problematic throughout the evening. There were adjustments made in the placement of the mics but the balance hindered the outcome. Unfortunately, the Robert Louis Stevenson readings following the Windy Nights selection was inaudible. 

Into the Unknown featured two soloists, Jordanna Gagnon and Lynda Icenagle. Their voices soared over the ensemble and the upper soprano pitches were very effective. The Written In The Stars had a very nice musical flow and energy. Two terrific soloists, Jordan Hobson-Knoll and Emma Hardy were excellent. This piece was certainly one of the many bright spots on the program. 

Ending the choral portion of the evening was a choreographed piece entitled The Rhythm Of Life. The choral pieces utilized an accompaniment track for the performance. 

After a short intermission, the Middle School and High School instrumentalist took the stage. After Director Ms. Randy Ebers tuned the ensemble, they launched into the Revenge of the Dust Bunnies. This comical and spirited piece had at its conclusion, a Shop Vac used as a musical instrument. The audience certainly enjoyed this moment.

It is very impressive to view the wide variety of instruments that were being played. Strings, brass, woodwinds, and percussion were all employed. Ms. Ebers spoke to the large and supportive audience about how the music program continues to grow. The instrumental ensemble concluded the evening with a piece entitled Shallow from A Star Is Born.

(Originally published in the March 12, 2020, print edition of The Mountain-Ear.)