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About Keizertimes. (Salem, Or.) 1979-current | View Entire Issue (May 6, 2022)
PAGE A16, KEIZERTIMES, MAY 06, 2022 McNary's Celebration of Music lights up the Elsinore Feel -Good STORY Saluting the people that make us proud of our community presented by BY LYNDON ZAITZ Of the Keizertimes McNary High School’s performing arts groups staged its Celebration of Music at the historic Elsinore Theatre in Salem, on Tuesday, May 3, in what is hoped to be the first of a new annual tradition. The Highlander Classics choir, the Chamber Orchestra, Wind Ensemble and Advanced Symphony Orchestra presented a two-hour performance, highlighting each of the groups. After they were in their seats, Sean Williams, director of orchestras, welcomed the audience. He related that Elizabeth Herring, director of bands, was the driving force behind the eve- ning—a welcome performance after COVID forced cancellations of concerts over recent years. The evening began with five selections by the Highlander Classics, led by director Dr. Trumpeters play during rehearsals for McNary’s Celebration of Music at the Elsinore Theatre on Tuesday, May 3. Photo by JOSHUA MANES of Keizertimes Victor Ceja warms up on the flute during wind ensemble rehearsals at the Elsinore Theatre for McNary’s Celebration of Music on Tuesday, May 3. Jeffrey Larkin. The voices filled the theatre, fol- lowed by cheers and applause. After a set change, the Chamber Orchestra took to the stage with five pieces. Hannah Eggert was the featured player on Girl with the Flaxen Hair (Claude Debussy). Benjamin Standley, on viola, and Tyshin Nguyen on cello, were the featured musicians on October (Eric Whitacre). Nguyen, a senior, marveled at the grandeur of the Elsinore Theatre, saying its acoustics were better than at the Ken Collins Theatre at McNary, where the orchestra regularly performs. The Wind Ensemble, under the direction of Elizabeth Herring, gave the audience three pieces that kept toes tapping. Finishing out the show was the advanced symphony orchestra, led by Williams. They played three pieces, with alto saxophonist Sam Banton the featured performer on Mourning Song (M.L. Daniels). The final piece of the evening, Let There Be Peace on Earth (Miller & Jackson), saw the Highlander choir lining the aisles to accom- pany the orchestra. Tyler Payne, a percussionist, was happy to celebrate his birthday on the Elsinore stage with his friends. He also plays the euphonium and has taken part in the popular Tuba Christmas held in each year at the Elsinore Theatre. The best part of the evening for Hannah Kuper, clarinetist and concert mistress, was per- forming with friends. “Everyone is friends,” she said. Salem-Keizer is recognized state-wide as having robust and supported arts programs, especially in music. One hundred-fourteen stu- dents proved Tuesday at the Elsinore Theatre that the support was justified. Dougie Howard plays the violin during symphony rehearsals for McNary’s Celebration of Music at the Elsinore Theatre on Tuesday, May 3. Photo by JOSHUA MANES of Keizertimes Carlos Sanchez plays the clarinet during wind ensemble rehearsals for McNary’s Celebration of Music at the Elsinore Theatre on Tuesday, May 3. Photo by JOSHUA MANES of Keizertimes Photo by JOSHUA MANES of Keizertimes Sean Williams directs the McNary chamber orchestra during re- hearsals for the Celebra- tion of Music concert at the Elsinore Theatre on Tuesday, May 3. Photo by JOSHUA of Keizertimes MANES
