by Rachel Hunter
The Gouverneur Central School District on Thursday, January 20 hosted a Small Ensembles Concerts at the Gouverneur High School, 113 E. Barney St., Gouverneur.
The middle and high school students showcased their musical talents during the concert, which featured the Select Strings (directed by Victor Correa III), Chamber Singers (directed by Renee Powlin) and the GCS Jazz Band (directed by Ms. Jenelle Yeoman). The concert attracted over 100 Gouverneur community members who enjoyed the live performance. Due to the COVID-19 pandemic crisis and the uptick of positive cases throughout the North Country, all those in the audience were required to wear masks while inside the Gouverneur High School. The performances warmed the hearts of many in attendance despite the subzero temperature outside. Much gratitude was extended to all the concertgoers, for the support of the students and GCS Music Program.
“We are excited to have you all here this evening, and share a fun night of music,” said Ms. Jenelle Yeoman.
The GHS Select Strings, directed by Victor Correa III, includes the following students Hailey Morrissiey (1st Violin), Emalyn Kulp (1st Violin), Madison Hopper (2nd Violin), Turner Sochia (2nd Violin), Ashlee Flood (Viola), Cole Siebels (Viola), Raneissa Way (Viola), Llydia Blaine (Cello), Niciara House-Bowman (Cello), and Ayden Sears (String Bass).
The GHS Select Strings first performed Beethoven’s Symphony No. 6 (Pastoral Symphony) as arranged by Christina Hans. Beethoven’s Symphony No. 6 first premiered on December 22, 1808. The first sketches of the symphony appeared in 1802, but Beethoven was not ready to complete it for six more years. The term pastoral in music had already for 100 years, and implied the sleep of nature and the drone of bagpipes. In this symphony, Beethoven exalted this concept and imitates natural repeated patterns with long passages of unchanging harmony. The selection, performed with musical excellence by the GHS Select Strings, thrilled the audience with the happy feelings upon arrival in the country, sitting by a brook, and hearing the merry-making by country-folk, and the harsh sounds of a storm. The energy of the selection enthused the audience and awakened their appetite to hear the other selections in the students’ wide repertoire.
The GHS Select Strings then performed “Blue Rhythmico” by Kirt N. Mosier. The powerful rhythm, driven by guitar-like riffs and a steady base line on the low strings, and jazzy blue notes thrilled the audience with the students’ energetic performance.
The GHS Chamber Singers, directed by Renee Powlin, then took to the risers to perform three selections. The GHS Chamber Singers includes the following students: Soprano/Alto (Kortney Knight, Jahonna Sloan, Niciara House-Bowman, Mariah Manning, Kati McIntosh, Janaya Fuller, Allison Carvel) and Tenor/Bass (Cole Siebels, Kaleb Webster, Makyle Pankey, Hazen Given, and Abigail Way). During the performance, the Chamber Singers were accompanied by Ms. Powlin on piano and Gavin Davis on drums.
The first selection was “Fly Me To The Moon” as arranged by Roger Emerson. A lover of music history, Ms. Powlin offered the following historical background to the crowd gathered: “It was written in 1954 by Bart Howard, and was originally titled “In Other Words.” The song has become part of the “Great American Songbook,” a designation that means it is an important part of America’s musical background. According to the arranger, Roger Emerson, “Fly Me To The Moon” was closely associated with the Apollo missions of the 1960s. Frank Sinatra’s version of the song was played on the Apollo 10 mission in May of 1969.” The crowd enjoyed the nostalgia of this popular song.
Student narrators then told the history of the next two selections as follows:
The GHS Chamber Singers’ second selection was “Blow The Candles Out,” a traditional sea shanty, arranged by Gregg Smith. It can be traced back to the 1600s. The story tells of a young apprentice who sees his sweetheart for the last time before an extended absence. This arrangement of “Blow The Candles Out” was written for the Gregg Smith Singers in the 1960s. The audience enjoyed the catchy sea shanty, many tapping their feet to the rhythm.
The GHS Chamber Singers closed out their performance with “Blue Moon” as arranged by Roger Emerson. It was written by Richard Rodgers and Lorenz Hart in 1934, and became a No. 1 hit in 1961 for the American doo-wop group, The Marcels. Over the years, many artists have recorded the song, including Frank Sinatra, Elvis Presley, Dean Martin, The Supremes, Cyndi Lauper, Bob Dylan and Rod Stewart. The Mavericks recorded “Blue Moon” for the movie, “Apollo 13.” The audience was thrilled with the GHS Chamber Singers performance of this American classic.
Next on stage was the GCS Jazz Band, directed by Jenelle Yeoman, offering a “Swinging to the Oldies” program. The GCS Jazz Band features students from sixth to twelfth grade, including the following: Hailey Cook (tenor saxophone), Ava Bartholomew (alto saxophone), Elizabeth Riutta (alto saxophone). Alana Correa (alto saxophone), Mariah Manning (alto saxophone and flute), Everett Langille (tenor saxophone), Sylvia French (baritone saxophone), Riley Seaman (flute), Brook Garrett (clarinet), Jack Schroeder (trumpet), Madison Kurdziel (baritone), Hayley Burt (baritone), Owen Nichols (trombone), Carly Bartholomew (piano), Cole Siebels (guitar), Allison Carvel (bass) and Gavin Davis (drums). “Jazz is a conversation between us and all of you through music,” Ms. Yeoman said, encouraging the audience to clap and dance throughout the performance.
The first selection was “Moondance” by Northern Irish singer-songwriter Van Morrison as arranged by Victor Lopez. The audience at the concert enjoyed the sophistication of this jazzy soft swing number, and the featured solos by GCS students Hailey Cook, Jack Schroeder, Alana Correa, and Sylvia French.
The second selection was “My Girl,” written by Smokey Robinson and Ronald White, and as arranged by Rick Stitzel. The song was originally released by The Temptations in 1964. Many enjoyed the infectious nature of this classic from the GCS Jazz Band.
The concert concluded with the audience clapping their hands and tapping their feet to “Old Time Rock and Roll” written by George Jackson and Thomas E. Jones III with uncredited lyrics by Bob Seger. It was released in 1979, and gained popularity, and has become a standard in popular music. The GCS students performed the selection as arranged by Paul Murtha. The song featured GCS students Ava Bartholomew and Jack Schroeder. Much applause sounded throughout the auditorium at the conclusion of the concert.
Much gratitude was extended to the audience for their support, as well as to GCS Superintendent of Schools Jackie Kelly, GHS Principal Cory Wood, GHS Assistant Principal Chris Marshall, the GCS Board of Education, and the custodial staff.
For more information about the Gouverneur Central School District, visit gcsk12.org.