Music for the serious

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Highland High’s Shawn Collins and Stockdale’s Hayana Nam took a serious approach to the last rehearsal.

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Guest Band Conductor Timothy Smith helped lead some of the more than 400 high school musicians who participated in “It’s a Grand Night for Music.”

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Tehachapi High’s Bryn Rosander (front) and Bakersfield’s Ariel Ware seemed at ease and in sync during rehearsal.

When “Its a Grand Night for Music” returned to the Rabobank Convention Center in Bakersfield on Jan. 27, it did so as one of the longest-lasting academic endeavors in the county. Sponsored by the Kern County Superintendent of Schools Office, the Kern High School District and the Kern County Music Educators Association, annually, it has showcased Kern County's finest school-age musicians since 1948. Although back then, the name was the same, but the event was a music festival strictly for elementary school orchestras.

Times changed and over the years, it became an honors showcase for high schools. Choirs were introduced into the festival in later years. As the program evolved, middle/elementary schools were given their own separate venue, the Kern County Honor Music Festival, which takes place this year on Feb. 28 in Bakersfield.

Despite tough economic times, It’s a Grand Night for Music remains one of the best, least expensive entertainment/cultural experiences one can see in Bakersfield. Those who attended on Jan. 27 paid just a $5 donation, and the price of that contribution to the arts has not changed in more than a decade. For that donation, attendees could see and take in the melodious sounds of approximately 400 orchestra, band and choir members who had to survive demanding auditions to earn a place in this honor music tradition.

Shawn Collins, an orchestra cellist from Highland High, was practicing with the group on the morning of Jan. 27 in preparation for the big night. He is a senior and this was to be his last Grand Night performance. Collins had made the audition cut all four years, but only played in three of the performances.

“I missed a rehearsal my freshman year and was dropped from the program,” Collins said. “I learned a painful but valuable lesson that you cannot miss rehearsals if you are serious about participating. Some that have large music programs at their schools may not appreciate the experience as much as I do. The orchestra program at my school is not big and this is my chance to work with more difficult music pieces and grow as a musician.”

Here are the selections the Grand Night orchestra, choir and band had to learn and perfect in about a month’s time for the concert. Orchestra selections included: Caleridge-Taylor’s “Petite Suite de Concert” and Quilter’s “Children’s Overture.” The Choir sang: Bachs “O Lord, Our Lord, Your Works are Glorious,” Chatman’s “The Scout,” Riehle’s arrangement of “Shenandoah,” Offenbachs “Neighbor’s Chorus” and Tucker’s “Evenin’ Time.” Van de Roost’s “Flashing Winds,” Saint Saens/Currow’s “Celebration on a Theme,” Houseknecht’s arrangement of “Salvation is Created,” Camphouse’s “In Memoriam” and Saucedo’s “Persistence” were the works the band was asked to perform. The orchestra, choir and band also had to sync together for a combined performance of Ward’s “From Sea to Shining Sea.”

It is not just the opportunity to play more challenging pieces that whets the appetites for these teenage musicians. During rehearsal, several had no difficulty expressing what motivates and excites them about their chance to be on the big stage at Rabobank Convention Center.

“It’s a big honor. All schools have student musicians who tryout but only a few are actually accepted,” said Bakersfield High School orchestra horn player Kirk Born. “Some of these pieces are pro level, not what you normally play in high school. But we (the orchestra) will sound great because everyone who has made it this far can play at this level. Then, to have guest conductors leading us makes this pretty much our Carnegie Hall experience.”

Guest conductor for the orchestra was Stephen Tucker, assistant music professor and orchestra conductor at University of California, Irvine. Leading the choir was Heather Bishop, Clovis North Educational Center music department chair and choir director. Timothy Smith, Contra Costa Chamber Orchestra music director and conductor, conducted the band.

Stockdale High orchestra cellist Hayana Nam said comparing the tryouts and the rehearsals with the experience of preparing for a final exam was in some ways similar.

“Studying for a final exam is stressful and can be overwhelming, but Grand Night is fun stress because we all get a feeling of family and hanging out,” Nam said. “Each and every member of the cast is special because together we make a whole unit. That is why I would never miss a practice because of the empty feeling it would give me knowing that the rest of the musicians were counting on me so they could perform as a solid unit.”

Even though it was just hours away, a smile crossed Born’s face as he looked forward to the night ahead on the big stage. “It’s intense with all of the people out there, including your parents,” Born said. “But the first time you hear that thunderous applause, you can feel it inside, and that is an amazing feeling.”

2009 “It’s a Grand Night for Music” Student Performers

CHOIR
Arvin High - Jose Alvarez, Walter Aquino, Irma Barrena, Magdalena Barrena, Monica Benavides, Adilene Benavidez, Fausto Buelna, Lizeth Buelna, Jaime Castio, Ana Castro, Adrianna Cervantes, Paloma Contreras, Gabriela Cordero, Ilse Corrales, Brian DeLoera, Brittany DuBoise, Jorge Duran, Darian Espinoza, Gabriela Esquivel, Carolina Flores, Christopher Flores, Mia Flores, Erika Garcia, Salvador Gomez, Yareksi Gomez, Maria Gonzales, Karina Hernandez, Karina Y. Hernandez, Stephanie Llanes, Anthony Lopez, Daniel Lopez, Jose A. Lopez, Yuri Marroquin, Erika Mendez, Alexander Mendoza, Elizabeth Miranda, Marissa Ortega, Eduardo Padilla, Guadalupe Pantoja, Viridiana Pavon, Luz Perez, Ricky Perez, Esmeralda Pineda, Rubi Quevedo, Marisol Rios, Monica Rocha, Berenice Rodriguez, Nabor Rodriguez, Destinee Romero, Jaime Sanchez, Edgar Sandoval, Mishal Santana, Dario Saravia, Jennifer Tapia, Jacky Tinoco, Emily Veloz and Nopjira Wongvitoothia

Bakersfield High - Miranda Barker, Juston Bell, Eric Borja, Taylorae Cardenas, Geric Dent Jr., Jeff Dewaal, Lisa Dewaal, Lexie Dobell, Eric Estrada, Brittney Frazier, Phillip Gonzales, Matt Holguin, Cameron Morrow, Fernando Munoz, Gia Murillo, Molly Rodriguez, Crystal Sanchez, Jaime Trujillo, Rebecca Urbina, Bryon Watkins, Dyamon Webster, Victoria Wilkins and Johnterra Wright

Cesar E. Chavez High - Demerie Aguirre, Krhystal Albay, Ashlee Arellano, Antonio Ayala, Angelyn Bartolome, Venus Cabrillas, Raeanne Espinoza, Leissle Flores, Benjamin Foronda, Marben Foronda, Cristina Gonzalez, Ariana Gutierrez, Brittnie Hawkins, Shandeep Jewandah, Ariana Luna, Crismat Mateo, Krizen Mateo, Christina Moreno, Jessica Ortega, Armando Ortiz, Julian Parrilla, Patty Pichardo-Celaya, Michelle Ramirez, Alexander Reed, Ilse Reyes, Makayla Richer, Jessica Rodriguez, Katrina Stebbins, Daniel Torrez and Kierstin Vail

Foothill High - Kayla Alva, Jazmin Barrena, Annelise Bertrand, Jessica Boles, Megan Buck, Brandon Carr, Chelsea Craft, Devany Crites, Hector Cruz, Mikaela DeLeon, Luis Delgado. Joshua Del Villar, Jennifer Dials, Amanda Duvick, Isaac Enriquez, Yajaira Figueroa, Carolina Galicia, Celia Gonzalez, Elisha Gonzalez, Gilbert Gutierrez, Erica Guzman, Jessica Hall, Lori Hammons, Brittany Harrington, Nohemi Henriquez, Ashley Kellerman, Zayra Lopez, Nickie McLaughlin, Nathaniel Miller, Shawntel Montgomery, Paola Pacheco, Orson Picasso, Vennuzz Quintana, Teresa Ramirez, Victor Salinas, Kristi Sanchez, Nathan Sargeant, Jackie Trejo, Pedro Vargas, Jeanette Wilson and Joel Wilson

Garces Memorial High - Emily Berlin, Morgan Chafin, Mary Chidgey, Joe Dhanens and Jasmin Thomas

Independence High - Amanda Alliston, Alejandra Balandran, Breanna Blackburn, Anthony Brown, Stephen Brown, Sammy Delgado, Acacia Hall, Janay Henderson, Megan Hoover, Amanda Lawrence, Benjamin Persinger and Stephanie Waugh

Mira Monte High - Kim Anglin, Joseph Delgado, Diamontina Flores, Jazmine Hunter, Jesse Martinez and Cora Padilla

North High - Karly Beachler, Amy Bosworth, Kassandra Clifford, Margie English, Tesla Forthman, Ashley Fuhrman, Tiffany Grahm, Shannon Holland, Jennifer Horn, Ashley Husband, Chris Lewis, Lauren Mass, Jamie Madden, Danielle Mesa, Heaven Miller, Jesse Neville, Hailee Scott, Sonia Serrano, Sierra Shaeffer, Constance Welch, Jeffery Wilson and Vance Vandergriff

Ridgeview High - Kyle Adams, Jonathan Ayala, Joseph Barham, Sonia Barrera, Katie Beglin, Amir Brewster, Jordan Brown, Skyler Bundy, Jared Buys, Breanna Cabrera, Alexandra Carpenter, Miguel Ceja, Selina Cortez, Josh Cruz, Jade Dearmore, Genesis Duran, Quintessa Ellis, Paloma Esparza, Kayla Frayre, Jeremy Freeman, Vanessa Gonzalez, Gilbert Graim, Mary Lee, Ivette Lopez, Amber Lucero, Joel Magana, Yannis Mallory, Drake Marshall, Alex Martinez, Sabrina Mehtabuddin, Faith Njau, Rose Paez, Jennifer Reid, Daisy Rodriguez, Shi Amber Roy, Sunni Singh, Christian Tillet, Aaron Watkin and Deleon Williams

South High - Jennifer Coburn, Crystal Cruz, William Cruz, Gabriela Cuevas, Esmeralda Davalos, Viviana Davalos, Daniela Delgadillo, Walter Fuentes, Elgar Funes, Nora Gutierrez, Carlee Hemingway, Lupe Huizar, Lauren Janssen, Rhett Levitz, Lauren Mohammed, Elias Morales, Ana Morando, Duchess Nolbert, Kiea Owens, Jennifer Renteria, Stephanie Rubalcava, Terry Sandoval, Rey Sequeira, Heather Sexton, Liz Sorenson, Venessa Talamantes, Sophia Trujillo, Beverly Venegas and Jonathan Ybanez

Stockdale High - Andrew Chhun, Metiqua Eng, Jordan Green, Brandon Harleston and Juan Orraj

Taft Union High - Phillip Allen, Shawna Crane, Shaina Knapp, Hannah Koerner, Beau Riddle and Natalia Zarate

Tehachapi High - Shatana Adams, Emily Amparon, Ashley Arvisu, Kaitlin Breslin, Vanessa Brock, Caitlin Burris, Bryawna Bychek, Sarah Carpenetti, Jared Casarez, Karina Coghlan, Persephonie Devereaux, Lisa Gaeta, Jesley Handy, Jordan Konrath, Jacquie Kunick, Christina Lee, Rhean Longcrier, Deanne Murphee, Shelbi Pingri, Taylor Reed, Brianna Riggs, Heather Simmons, Asnely Smole, Sami Tate, Sarah Taylor, Maria Tercy, Stephanie Wentworth, Timmothy Wilhite and Cassie Williams

Valley Oaks Charter - Sydney Carroll, Vicky Colley, Lino Gillies, Niko Lopez, Jordyn Mackiewicz, Jesica Mendez, Christine Wikoff and Clarissa Wikoff

West High - Laci Allison, Sandy Alvarez, Tim Ambrose, Ryan Aris, Shelby Baker, Amram Elias, Daniel Elias, Kerrin Espinoza, Lana Galvan, Stefany Hays, Kara Johnson, Bethanie Lewis, Sarah McMillian, Rebecca Medrano, Israel Ramirez, Sara Ramirez, Courtney Roberson, Miranda Romero, Chanclyn Tanner, Sara Thorell, Amelia Villicana, Lindsey Ward, Tailer Whelan and Josaveth Zuniga

ORCHESTRA
Violin I - Michael Wisehart (R), Francis Sabas (St), Bryn Rosander (Te), Laalasa Varnasi (St), Victoria Chol (St), Melissa Taylor (St), Ariel Ware (B), Shannon Lin (St), Bernard Jee (St), Zane Adamo (B), Kamilia Putri (St), Emily Shiue (St), Cynthia Lay (St) and Maria Shafer (Te)

Violin II - Chris Wisehart (R), Jinyan Yue (St), Mina Kirkwood (L), Leanne Matthews (B), Elia Robles (R), Austen Goehring (R), Hannah Woo (St), Jacklyn Nguyen (R), Stephanie Chang (B), Judy Lee (St), Jennifer Jhoh (St), Erica Solum (G). James Sponsler (VO), Sona Shah (St) and Jessica Gomez (H)

Viola - Melissa McGlumphry (St), Patrick Howard (St), Giuyun Song (St), Rebekah Moench (R), Paige Morgan (E) and John Paul C. Sote (E)

Cello - Natalie Sherman (St), Sora Ahn (St), Shawn Collins (H), Daniela Miramontes (B), Hayana Nam (St) and Camille Cosindad (R)

Bass - Karen Reyes (R), Sara DiGicomo (F) and Esmeralda Vela (F)

Flute - Paavana Varanasi (St), Cassie Barnes (Te) and Konnor Smith (C)

Clarinet - Asha Chandy (St) and Taylor Bateman (C)

Bassoon - Lea Barcelona (L)

Trumpet - Brent Williams (B) and Demetrious Castelazo (Ro)

Horn - Emily Benjamin (Fr) and Kirk Born (B)

Trombone - Vickie Messick (BC), Nathan Haberkern (St) and John Charles Bluto (Ro)

Percussion - Thomas Sayles (B), Michael Bell (G) and Jeff Hooker (T)

BAND
Flute - Janet Kwon (St), Mary Cervantes (G), Paul Hiracheta (C), Alyssa Dubose (B), Daniel Sanchez (Wa), Christine Silken (St), Christy Parry (L), Robin Hu (St), Lisa Fong (H), Corinne Frymire (L), Gotico Rommel (L), Amy Williams (B) and Ayoung Lee (Fr)

Oboe - Christopher Lucas (L)

Clarinet - Mara Minner (R), Allison Julander (St), Katie Burpee (St), Lauren Edwards (St), Carmen Zalapa (S), Jasmyne Chase (St), Guillan Keonardo (Ro), Kimberly Stewart (Fr), Christian Lucas (L), Cody Griffis (H), Matt Gibbons (L), Kallye Martin (N), Jamie Dieckman (L), Hanna Kim (S), Fleicya Parnell (E), LeAnne Jett (N), Amadaere Okoro (L), Febizza Obar (CC), Daniel Rodier (H), Deborah Galvez (M) and Lawrence Rodrigues (F)

Bass Clarinet - Jesus Salas (Ro), Amanda Duke (Te) and Natalie Messick (BC)

Bassoon - Stephan Wood (L)

Alto Saxophone - Chris Nguyen (St), Shawn Gough (BC), Gregory Hanel (St), Angel Cornejo (GV) and Tori Moody (B)

Tenor Saxophone - Alex Tamplin (S), Nicholas Okita (St) and Ethan Cantrell (I)

Baritone Saxophone - Jessica Chen (BC) and Astrid Contereras (Ro)

Trumpet - Daniel Edwards (B), Vivek Nair (St), Matthew Chiapa (St), Drake Floyd (H), Jacob Coutneay (B), Nathan Andrade (Fr), Nick Rodriguez (Fr), Tevin Robertson (B), Mark Cook (N), Jenna Obenshain (L), Andrew Pimentel (Fr), Frank Clemete (A), Michelle Tomboc (CC) and Jonathan Fernandez (N)

Horn - Michael Clausen (BC), David Clark (W), Brittany Chiapa (St) and Sarah Billington (N)

Baritone - Kyle Moncrieff (B), Anthony Carino (T), Donna Buron (CC) and Ben Ross (N)

Trombone - Dan Hanel (St), Trevor Myers (Fr), Christopher Pauley (C), Joel Holian (St), Nester Rios (R), Nathan McDuff (B), Garrison Adams (Ro), Daniel Contreras (CC), Kate Miles (Te)

Percussion - Rebecca Spickler (BC), Joseph Chee (G), Lawrence Maddela (G), Alec Nolan (R), Jamey Brockett (T), Ian Mason (N) and Randall Tullis (W)

Tuba - Jason Perez (Fr), William Piper (B), Matt Bonna (St), Kyle Jackson (C) and Angela Dobbs (N)

KEY: (A) Arvin, (B) Bakersfield, (BC) Bakersfield Christian, (C) Centennial, (CC) Cesar E. Chavez, (E) East Bakersfield, (F) Foothill, (Fr) Frontier, (G) Garces, (GV) Golden Valley, (H) Highland, (I) Independence, (L) Liberty, (M) Mojave, (N) North, (R) Ridgeview, (Ro) Rosamond, (S) South, (St) Stockdale, (T) Taft, (Te) Tehachapi, (Wa) Wasco, (W) West


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