On a chilly spring evening, parents and community members gathered for an uplifting night of music and awards at the Nederland Middle-Senior High School.

Director Christine Mallery introduced the High School Orchestra with special guests Kyle King and Eric Thurston, who performed “Over the Rainbow.”

The High School (HS) Orchestra featured Perrine Breche on flute; Eliza Brundege and Lukey Mahorski-Bodley on violin; Juniper Hall, Ivy Koltz, and Evelyn Leary on viola; Aeden Koziel and Kai Murphy on cello; and Clara Miller on bass.

Later in the evening, the HS Orchestra rendered the theme song from the movie, “The Last of Us,” and an oft-played “Viola Country” by Richard Meyer.

Mallery announced the high school orchestra awards, presenting the “Hardest Worker” award to Juniper Hall, “Most Improved” to Eliza Brundege, and the “Most Inspirational” award, a tie between Perrine Breche and Lukey Mahorski-Bodley.

Mallery described the “Most Inspirational” recipients as individuals who are always cheerful, work hard, and significantly contribute to the orchestra.

The sixth-grade orchestra, consisting of Skyler Dulude on violin, Michael Wilson on viola, and Miles Frey on cello, played their hearts out with “One Bow Concerto” and “Dragonhunter.”

The sixth-grade band delighted the audience with “Boogie Blues” and a lively rendition of “The Mandalorian” by Ludwig Göransson.

The middle-level orchestra paid homage to Michael Jackson with “Salute to Michael Jackson” and delivered an intriguing performance of “Sahara Crossing.”

The middle-level band shone during “Crazy Train,” by Ozzy Osbourne.

The crescendo of the evening was definitely the HS band’s renditions of “Bohemian Rhapsody,” and “The Phantom of the Opera.”

The high school band awards went to Amika Begin for “Most Dedicated,” Eva Wrobel for “Hardest Worker,” River Lemaster for “Most Improved,” and Asher Hughes and Eric Thurston for “Most Inspirational.”

Band member Eric Thurston shared the motivation behind his original piece “Forecast,” explaining that it’s about enjoying the outdoors despite the weather. The group is working on an album and looks forward to creating more music.

Director Liz Evans announced the Outstanding Musician Awards, voted on by the musicians themselves, and winners received their trophies: Asa Budde (sixth grade), Isla Harmon (seventh grade), and Teddy Shaffer (seventh grade).

Evans presented a plaque listing previous recipients of the John Philip Sousa Band Award, recognizing outstanding achievement in instrumental music. Congratulations went to Asher Hughes, this year’s winner!

Four high school orchestra members—Eliza Brundege, Juniper Hall, Clara Miller, and Aeden Koziel—auditioned for the Boulder Valley District Honor Orchestra and were rewarded with certificates.

For the National Awards, Evans nominated Koziel and Hughes, who received pins in recognition.

Evans also recognized the seniors of the band and orchestra: Asher Hughes, Danny Williams, Clara Miller, and Aeden Koziel.

Evans shared her reflections on time and how blessed she is to spend it with wonderful students. She said, “My gift for these seniors is a thyme plant. When you see this little plant growing on your window sill, please think about your time here at Ned, think about the music you’ve made, and promise you will continue to bloom and thrive in all you do. We’ll miss you all.”

The evening concluded with a special band performance by Owen Cleveland, Asher Hughes, Eric Thurston, and Polina Savich, who wowed the audience with their original songs.

Refer to the full list of awards elsewhere in this edition.