Drummers drumming at Nederland Middle Senior High School Nederland’s 6th grade band members learned bucket drumming from Kirk Kubicek. The performance was full of energy and inspiring. PHOTO BY SARA SANDSTROM[/caption]

Beautiful music danced off the strings and flowed out of instruments in the Nederland Middle Senior High School auditorium during the December 6 band and orchestra concert. The audience heard from all grade levels in the middle and high school. The 5th grade orchestra and band students also were invited to perform with the 6th grade orchestra and band.

The high school orchestra was the first to take the stage. One of the pieces they played was “Selections from The Hobbit”. The 5th graders are only a few months into learning their instruments and they played two songs. One of the songs was “Baby Shark.” That was fun! Then, the 6th grade orchestra and 7th and 8th grade orchestra took the stage. A few of the tunes that were played were “Fiddle Tune,” “Bells and Buccaneers” and “Phantom Dance.”

What a joy it is to hear young musicians learning the craft of their chosen instrument. It takes dedication, grit and stamina to learn an instrument. Christine Mallery directs all of the orchestra students.

Next to take the stage were 39 5th and 6th grade band students. The 5th grade band played first. Their teacher/director is Kati Sainz. Because most band and orchestra teachers teach at multiple schools in Boulder Valley School District Sainz could not attend the concert. She had more than one school have a concert on the same evening. Mallery directed the 5th grade band. Like so many bands who are just beginning we heard “Hot Cross Buns.”

Then, the 5th and 6th grade bands together played a variation of “Good King Wenceslas.” The 6th grade band then played on their own. This was all directed by Mallery.

The chairs were all pushed aside, instruments were put away and the 6th grade band members sat down with buckets and drum sticks. Professional percussionist Kirk Kubicek has been working with these students on bucket drumming and the audience was in for a treat. With spectacular energy and great precision Kubicek and the students presented a fabulous and fun number. There was even audience participation. With the students watching Kubicek intensely one could see that the 6th graders felt inspired by the rhythm. They felt joy.

The 7th and 8th grade and high school band students took the stage next. They are under the direction of Elizabeth Evans. One of the songs they played helped us feel a little bit warmer on a cold night, the “Banana Boat Song.” The high school band students continued with “Final Countdown” and ended the evening with their own excellent version of “Carol of the Bells.” It was impressive how the students played multiple instruments.

Music is wonderful for our minds and souls. Learning to play instruments is beneficial for the young and not so young. Researchers agree that learning an instrument improves memory, concentration, organization, perseverance, and comprehension skills. That is only part of the list of benefits.

Having our children play an instrument is very important. Encouraging them to continue to play and creating the environment where they want to keep playing is vital. Having the support of their families, the school and community is necessary.

Congratulations to the students and directors on their December concert. Let’s do our part to support the bands and orchestras at Nederland Middle Senior High School. Let’s keep our kids playing music.