Collaborative Band Concert in Hardin
HHS Theater Students joined the HJH bands for a collaborative concert. Pictured are the drama students and the Combination Band. Contributed Photo
Hardin ISD Band Directors are pleased with the score of 1 received by HHS band at District Contest. L-R Hannah Pena, Glen Zamazal, Maegan Tantillo. Contributed Photo
HHS Theater students Elese Spurlock and Jaden West portray scientists time traveling during the Collaborative Band Performance. Contributed Photo
If anyone went to the Hardin Cafetorium for a run of the mill band concert Tuesday night at 7 pm, they were most definitely in for a surprise. The performance this year was a collaborative concert featuring members of Hardin High School Theater Department and band members: Aaron Lee, Jaden West, Else Spurlock, and Peyton Blanchard. It was directed by Alexia McCullough.
The storyline was a “Trip Through Time”. The drama students portrayed scientists “looking to make the greatest discovery of their lives,” in scenes that lead into an intro of the next time period as well as the next musical piece played by first the Beginner Band, which is huge, the Collaborative Band, Percussion Ensemble Performance, and finally Junior High Band.
For example, after a cave man scene, the beginner band played a foot-tapping piece by the name of “Primitivo.” The next piece, “New Horizons” almost had a military air to it as the woodwinds seemed to ask the question what is over the horizon? The third musical piece played by Beginner Band was named “The Wooden Clock.” The scene before it discussed Benjamin Banneker making the first clock. The music truly sounded like the tic toc of an old clock.
At one point, the HHS Theater students came out into the audience arena style. They divided the audience members into three groups. Each group was given a percussion noise to make. Group one rubbed hands together, group two snapped fingers, and group three patted their hands on their laps. This was a fun bit of audience participation. There was more of that. It was spectacular to see the proficiency of especially the younger students. A couple were playing multiple instruments. The percussion section is fantastic. This versatility is modeled by their teachers. Director Hanna Pena signaled for the band to begin while at the same time initiated a beat for the entire audience to emulate. She turned a full circle on her raised platform and never lost the full attention of her band. This audience participation lasted into this song. Hats off to all three educators who work with these youngsters: Meagan Tantillo, Hannah Pena, and Glenn Zamazal.
Two Outstanding Musicians were named from both bands. The Outstanding Musicians from Beginner Band are Trinity West and Nathan Salinas. The Jr. High Outstanding Musicians are Maeli Webb and Peyton Rives.
The staging was even creative. The band played from the floor while the players used the stage. Sound and visibility were terrific.