Java-N-Jazz performers of MLPS close out 2016 holiday concert run
The Java-N-Jazz Concert, held this evening (Monday, December 19), in the Mountain Lake Alliance Church, closed out the 2016 holiday run of a trio of concerts performed by students at Mountain Lake Public School (MLPS). The concert series opened with the Mountain Lake Public High School (MLHS) Junior High/Senior High Choirs/Bands Concert, followed a week later by the Mountain Lake Public Elementary School (MLES) Holiday Program and was closed with tonight’s presentation.
Onstage for this concert were the Senior High Percussion Ensemble, Junior High Show Choir, Senior High Jazz Band, Junior High Percussion Ensemble, Acapella Group, Junior High Jazz Band, Senior High Show Choir and Senior High Men’s Choir.
Directing the production were MLPS Director of Choirs Andrea Brinkman, MLPS Director of Bands Kurt Jahnke, and Kelli Tucholke, choreographer for the Junior High and Senior High Show Choirs, as well as a MLES kindergarten teacher.
Sweet treat cupcakes were provided by Amy Wall.
Below is a photo gallery of the evening’s event. And . . . to borrow a phrase from the concert’s program – Yule love it a latte!:
THE SENIOR HIGH Percussion Ensemble dared to “Bring It On,” arranged by Chris Brooks, to open the Java-N-Jazz Concert. Ensemble members pictured include, from left, Isaac Grev on cowbell, Kayla Vonk on tambourine, Bileigh Anacker with the cymbals, Sam Grev and Ethan Klassen on drums and Taylor Naas on bass drum. Behind is Regan Syverson.
THE JUNIOR HIGH Show Choir brought their vocal music and moves to the stage for three songs. These included “Set It Off,” arranged by Mark Brymer; “Fight Song,” arranged by Roger Emerson and “Better When I’m Dancing,” arranged by Andy Beck. Pictured front, from left, Anika Fast, Olivia Klassen, Hana Bergling, Noah Rempel, Kade Wassman and Sebastian Rehnelt. Behind, Kearney Wall and Brooke Naas.
CARLY OSLAND WAS adamant about the lyrics to “Fight Song” – This is my fight song. Take back my life song. Prove I’m alright song. My power’s turned on. Starting right now I’ll be strong. I’ll play my fight song. And I don’t really care if nobody else believes ’cause I’ve still got a lot of fight left in me.
SAXOPHONES OF VARYING sound levels, all members of the Senior High Jazz Band. From left, Samuel Hirsch, Yahayra Sanchez and Braden Rempel. The group presented three selections, “Uncle Milo’s Side Show” and “My Dinner with Ronald,” both arranged by Sorenson and Pearson, as well as “Santa’s Got a Brand New Bag,” arranged by Paul Clark and featuring Hirsch with a sax solo. Visible at back are, from left, Kalley Rempel on trumpet and on trombone, and trombonists Joel Salgado, Sam Grev and Liana Blomgren.
ADDITIONAL SENIOR HIGH Jazz Band instrumentalists were, at front, Karen Soutthivong on clarinet, left and Amy Bartsch on saxophone, right, and at back, trumpets Ryan Blomgren, left and Kayla Vonk, right.
DANIEL GARDINER LED the Junior High Percussion Ensemble’s presentation of “Middle School Drumline 101,” arranged by Carl Major.
THE “STICKS” ON the snare drums behind Gardiner were, from left, Caden Swoboda, Noah Rempel and Sebastian Rehnelt.
STANDING TOGETHER ON “Stand By Me,” arranged by Ben E. King, were the members of the Acapella Group. Front, from left, Chloe Klassen, Kyla Perkins, featured singer Ruben Fentanez, Sam Grev and Eli Karschnik. Back, from left, Lexia Peters, Paton Buller, Ethan Klassen, Isaac Grev and Brodie Freeman.
MLPS DIRECTOR OF Bands Kurt Jahnke, back left, joined with the Junior High Jazz Band on their two numbers, “Lunch At The Spot,” arranged by Dean Sorenson and “Frosty The Snow Man,” arranged by Michael Sweeney.” Group members pictured are, at front, from left, saxophonists Sierra Perkins, Alana Morey and Daniel Gardiner, and at back, from left, on trumpet, Director Jahnke, Brooke Naas and Sebastian Rehnelt (who had a solo on “Frosty”), along with Noah Rempel on baritone.
FEELING A LITTLE “Footloose,” arranged by Kirby Show, were members of the Senior High Show Choir. Front, from left, Taylor Naas, Meredith Suess, Sam Grev and Liana Blomgren. Middle, from left, Chloe Klassen, Kalley Rempel, Regan Syverson and Aaron Fast.
Sing with me, sing for the years. Sing for the laughter, sing for the tears. Sing with me, just for today. Maybe tomorrow, the good Lord will take you away. “Dream On,” arranged by Mark Brymer, was the Senior High Show Choir’s second selection. Seated at left, Regan Syverson, left and Liana Blomgren, right. At right, front, from left, David Hall, Merel Caminada, Chloe Klassen, Jae Faber and Sam Grev, and back, from left, Kyla Perkins, Ethan Klassen and Joel Salgado.
SENIORS PARTICIPATING IN the Senior High Show Choir were in fifth grade when MLPS Director of Choirs Andrea Brinkman (then the Mountain Lake Public Elementary School music teacher) introduced the idea of bringing singing together with dance with the Fifth/Sixth Grade Show Choir. The seniors’ request for a reprise of the initial song the group sang that first year was granted by Brinkman. “Joyful Joyful,” arranged by Merlyn Warren, was that song, and it was performed once again at this year’s concert. Featured soloists included Ruben Fentanez, Ethan Klassen, Sam Grev, Lexia Peters and Liana Blomgren. Pictured, front, from left, Ethan Klassen, Kyla Perkins, Liana Blomgren and Sam Grev. Middle, from left, Rebekah Klassen, Andrew Fast, Lucie Havlicková, Jae Faber, Regan Syverson and Kenna Gardiner. Visible at back, Isaac Grev and Chloe Klassen.
AS PER TRADITION, the Senior High Show Choir closed their portion of the program with the selection, “Seasons of Love” (from RENT), arranged by Mac Huff. They were joined onstage by alumni of the group – and Mountain Lake Public High School. In front, from left, Rebekah Klassen, Kalley Rempel, alumnus Ben Grev, Sam Grev, Lexia Peters, Kenna Gardiner, Ruben Fentanez, Merel Caminada, Meredith Suess, Aaron Fast and alumnus Ethan Karschnik.
SENIOR HIGH SHOW Choir member Andrew Fast, center, was bookended by alumnae Carly Paulson, left, and Carmen Syverson, right.
THE CLOSING ACT was the Senior High Men’s Choir, returning to the stage with “Coffee (In A Cardboard Cup),” arranged by Kevin Robison. Enjoying the music and spotlight were, from left, Marcus Boyd, AJ Vongsy, Kristopher Menken and Sam Grev.
