OHS music ensembles will be performing at Big 9 Musical Festival
Symphony Orchestra playing one of their pieces they are performing for the Big 9 Music Festival.
April 24, 2023
OHS concert choir, concert band and symphony orchestra will be attending the Big 9 Music Festival on Friday, April. 28. This year the festival is located at Mankato East High School and Christ the King Church. The Big 9 Music Festival is the longest running music festival in the United States. All top choir, band, and orchestra ensembles perform in the Big 9 conference. While the Big Nine Music Festival is not a competition, but rather a way to perform music pieces for other schools and evaluators.
Many music students are excited to be performing at the music festival. It is a great way to illuminate all of the great pieces of music that was worked on throughout the year.
Choir director Ms. Paula Asmus said, “So this is my first time going to the Big 9 Musical Festival, so I don’t really know exactly what all to expect but I am really excited to showcase everything that this group has worked on this year while also celebrating what all of our other choirs in our conference have accomplished.”
Getting other perspectives from top ensembles in the area is a good way to improve whether it be choir, band, or orchestra.
Big 9 Musical Festival is important because it lets ensembles have the opportunity to perform for others while getting feedback. It’s also nice to get comments and other perspectives from evaluators to improve as a band.” — Alayna Wannarka
Junior Alayna Wannarka plays the flute in concert band. Wannarka said, “Big 9 Musical Festival is important because it lets ensembles have the opportunity to perform for others while getting feedback. It’s also nice to get comments and other perspectives from evaluators to improve as a band.”
Concert choir will be performing the pieces “Alleluia” by Elaine Hagenberg, “Bright Morning Stars” by Shawn Kirchner, “Adoramus Te, Christe” by Eric Barnum, “Ner Ner” by Jake Runestad, “Indodana” by Michael Barrett and “O Day Full of Grace” by F. Melius Christiansen.
Concert band will be performing the pieces “Fields of Gold” by Julie Giroux and “Aerodynamics” by David Gillingham.
Lastly, the symphony orchestra will be performing the pieces “Movement 1 of New World Symphony” by Antonin Dvorak and “Lancaster Overture” by Paul Whear.
Each student has a favorite piece of music they perform.
Junior Carter Hanson plays the viola in symphony orchestra. Hanson said, “My favorite song orchestra will be performing is New World Symphony.”
Wannarka said, “Fields Of Gold is my favorite song we are performing for the Big 9 Music Festival. I like the message the song has.”
Many students may have differing opinions on their favorite music performed, but all of the music is important for different reasons.
Big 9 Music Festival will be a fun experience for anyone performing or watching.
Ms. Asmus said, “I think it is a really great opportunity to just showcase music and spread that joy with everybody.” This music festival is a great way to celebrate music among different communities and schools.
