An evening of band and vocal choir music before an appreciative audience of family and friends attended the End of Year Music Concert on May 29. The evening was marked by the enthusiasm of music teachers, Mr. Luke Munchinsky and Ms. Tyra Zander, the participation of students (even introducing their pieces) and the large repertoire of performance pieces.
The Virden Collegiate (VCI) Choir directed by Luke Munchinsky featured five pieces. Andrea Neufeld was the piano accompanist and in two pieces a flute, melodica and percussion by VCI band members added to the accompaniment. Dylan Southam and Daelyn Fefchak were soloists in “As the Ship Went Down.”
Choir musicians were: Sopranos - Darien Dunning (12), Daelyn Fefchak (12), Jenaya Thiessen (11), Kendall Charles (10), Cadie Quinn (10), Yuri Olivia Quintero (10), Hannah MacDonald (9), Brenna Stewart-Barre (9); Altos - Felicia Pringle (12), Kenzie Kreutzer (11), Josie Waldner (11), Sienna Hotain-Sandy (10), Charley Dunning (9), Avrin Krieser (9), Sarah Lindsay (9); Tenors – Raphial Fehr (12), Dylan Southam (12), Cody Thiessen (11), Tristan Plaisier (9); Basses – Nathan Archambault (11), Zander Janzen (11), Cade Scharff (11) Gibson Caribou (10), Jamie Thiessen (10), Phillip Wilson (10).
Three bands, directed by Ms. Tyra Zander, the Gr. 7 and Gr. 8 and VCI Band played separately and also collaborated on several pieces. Jazz ensembles were also featured, having participated in the spring Brandon Jazz Festival.
Six VCI Music graduates, Daelyn Fefchak, Darien Dunning, Dylan Southam, Felicia Pringle, Raphial Fehr and Olivia Mowez, came forward to receive presentations from Munchinsky and Zander. They presented the students with cards, flowers, and a gift. In some cases, a conducting baton reflected the student’s aspirations. The teachers had comments of encouragement for all the grads.
Daelyn Fefchak, both a composer and conductor received a baton. Zander has been working with these students for two years. She said of Daelyn, “She has been super incredible, composing and arranging… and going to all these honour band, Westman Youth choir things, everything (including plays), we’re going to miss her so much.”
Munchinsky presenting to Dylan Southam, noted his citizenship and caring for people, “always invested in the choir and his community.” Dylan will attend Brandon University to become a music teacher.
Presenting to Felicia Pringle, Munchinsky said that she “has shown so much passion throughout the year… and demonstrates individuality.”
Olivia Mowez plays trombone and the euphonium, which she will play at International Music Camp this summer. She aims to become a nurse. Olivia conducted a piece she composed.
Trumpet player, Raphial Fehr would also receive a conducting baton. “You are a star… contributing in such a strong way,” said Munchinsky. “I’m excited to see what you do in your education career.”
