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Neighbors | Abby Slanker.Cayla Conrad, Youngstown State University student teacher, conducted the Canfield Village Middle School eighth-grade band in playing “Rhythm of the Spheres” at the school’s annual Spring Concert on May 8.
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Neighbors | Abby Slanker.Canfield Village Middle School eighth-grade band member Gabriella Smallwood on the oboe and her father, Mark, on the piano performed “Concerto in D minor, Allegro” at the school’s annual Spring Concert on May 8.
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Neighbors | Abby Slanker.Canfield Village Middle School Band Director James Volenik directed the sixth-grade band at the school’s annual Spring Concert at the Canfield High School on May 8.
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Neighbors | Abby Slanker.Canfield Village Middle School eighth-grade band members performed jazz improv solos at the school’s annual Spring Concert on May 8.
By ABBY SLANKER
The Canfield Village Middle School fifth- and eighth-grade bands performed their annual spring concert at Canfield High School on May 8.
The bands were under the direction of CVMS Band Director James Volenik and Cayla Conrad, Youngstown State University student teacher.
Volenik welcomed the large audience of family and friends to the concert.
“Welcome to the sixth-grade and eighth-grade spring concert. We have a really special night planned and we have lots of great music. I want to thank you for being here tonight. We’ve switched it up a little pairing the sixth-graders with the eighth-graders and the fifth-graders with the seventh-graders, We wanted to do that so the younger students could see what they have to look forward to in two years. Our sixth-graders have a wonderful program for you and we will start with an overture,” Volenik said.
The sixth-grade band began the evening with “Crater Lake Overture,” by John O’Reilly, followed by “America the Beautiful” arranged by Michael Sweeney. Next, the band played “Supercalifragilisticexpialidocious” arranged by Michael Sweeney.
“Before the sixth-grade band concludes their portion of the concert, I would like to recognize a member of the band for completing the Power in the Progress System. We started the Power in the Progress System in the fall for all band members and they went at their own pace to complete several levels. This student completed all levels, ending at the Hall of Fame level. This is quite a feat in this young man’s life. He showed such persistence and grit and stuck with it all year long. I’d like to recognize Gage Watson for his accomplishment and present him with this plaque,” Volenik said.
Volenik then introduced Cayla Conrad, Youngstown State University student teacher, to conduct the band in its last song.
“We will close with a great tune and the students will be conducted by our student teacher Cayla Conrad,” Volenik said.
The sixth-grade band concluded their performance with “Rockin’ La Bamba.”
The eighth-grade band then took the stage.
“Our eighth-grade band will begin with a beautiful Italian march,” Volenik said
To open their portion of the concert, the band began with “French Market Buzzards March” arranged by Wendy Barden.
“Here in Canfield, we are blessed with very talented, wonderful musicians. Our next song will feature one of our very talented students, Gabriella Smallwood, on the oboe and her father, Mark, on the piano,” Volenik.
Gabriella and her father Mark performed “Concerto in D minor, Allegro.”
Conrad returned to the stage to conduct the eighth-grade band in playing “Rhythm of the Spheres” by Erik Morales.
“Before we move on, I’d like to recognize our amazing paraprofessionals. They start working with our students in grade five and continue all the way through high school. I’d like to thank Mike Carden, David Drevna, Al Colella, Laura Volenik and Bob Rollo,” Volenik said.
The next selection, “Hornpipe from Water Music” arranged by Janice Kersey, showcased the eighth-grade trumpet section.
“We are very fortunate to have six French horn players. They are the most amazing musicians. Usually by eighth grade, there’s only one French horn player left, but we are very lucky to have our six talented players. Our next selection will feature the French horn players,” Volenik said.
The French horn section performed “Romanza from Horn Concerto No. 3, K447,” arranged by Larry Clark.
Next, the entire band played highlights from “Mary Poppins,” arranged by Sean O’Loughlin.
“To end our concert, we will feature several band members performing jazz improv. These very talented students will be making the music up on the spot, while performing “Centerpiece” arranged by Mike Story. It’s been challenging to learn this song, but it’s been fun and we’ve had a great time learning it,” Volenik said.
The students took turns performing their improvisation selections and then guest jazz trombone soloist John Reese joined the band in a special presentation to close the concert.
“Thank you again for coming to our spring concert,” Volenik said.
Band members, family and friends were invited to the cafeteria for a dessert reception after the concert.