Elkhorn's School annual spring concert got started with a cold plate picnic put on by the school staff, students and volunteers. The event was held outside on the school grounds.
After the lunch, there were lots of games to play on the grass of the large school playground. The event started at 1:15 p.m. in the school gym that was packed with family members and school children, with school principal Lance Baratte being the emcee for the afternoon.
The opening act was the K-Grade 1 students who sang the popular 1958 rock’n roll classic “Rockin’ Robin” complete with bird costumes, dark glasses and choreography, to the
great enjoyment of the audience.
What followed were the pre-band students; the Grade 4 students and their recorders, followed by the Grade 5 students and their ukuleles. The ukulele students added some vocals to the presentation, which made it even better.
Next came the students of the school’s longtime and successful band programs. Their regular teacher, Mrs. Unger has been away on sick leave, so her position was taken over by a soft-spoken
gentleman from Tennessee, who now lives in Brandon, Mr. David Wolf.
Wolf had the various grade levels perform a variety of selections, such as “We Will Rock You”, “The Syncopated Clock”, “Midnight Mission”, “Celtic Air and Dance #3”, and highlights
from Shrek 2. As each group performed, you could hear the growing level of ability that the band program delivered.
A vocal number by the grade 2/3 students with a well-performed piano solo by Aidan Heaman, added more variety to the concert.
There was a surprise performance that was even unknown to the students. The school band room is located across the hall from the library; and at the end of each day, Mr. Wolf,
a classically trained pianist, would practice his skills in the music room. School Librarian Tannis McLeod enjoyed his playing so much that during the day of the concert, she managed to
convince him to perform for everyone. The song he selected was “Amazing Grace”, and he did an amazing job.
Soon the concert would be over, but not before Mrs. Unger came forward and made a special presentation to two of the senior band students, Shari Rhodes and Kassidy Kalyniak, who will
be graduating this year. Band teacher Mr. Wolf said about the concert: “Today’s concert was lots of fun and the students all did a great job. If has been a challenging year for the music students, who have changed directors three times. But they have been very good to work with and shown the kind of character necessary to bring together an event like this concert.”
He thanked those involved in the concert; and the community for coming out and supporting the school. He noted the “welcoming and cooperative spirit of the staff at Elkhorn School.”
Wolf finished, saying, “It has been a true pleasure to work with each and every one here. My best wishes go out to the entire school community.” Elkhorn School graduation will be June 20.
