Barbara Lawlor, Nederland.  Last Tuesday night, the Nederland Middle Senior High School students tuned their instruments, waited for the director’s signal and then brought Hobbit music to life. “An Unexpected Journey,” songs familiar to everyone who has seen the movie, were played by the middle level band and orchestra along with the high school band and orchestra.

It was an explosive and at times haunting opening to the 2017 NMSHS Band and Orchestra Concert, a presentation that the students have been working on since winter break. The Hobbit music was a great way to open the spring concert, filled with hope and darkness, sorrow and joy and the renewal of the world.

After the opening performance, the bands and orchestras performed in their smaller groups, allowing the students to shine individually or in small groups. Courtney Clemmer gave a solo flute performance, demonstrating why she was chosen to play with the all-state band in Alamosa last week.

The middle level orchestra boasts the largest number of musicians, including seven violin players. About 40 students make up the bands and orchestras.

The concerts are directed by Liz Evans and Christine Spinelli Mallory.