A night to remember

Brian Wilkinson

(Updated: Thursday, March 04, 2010, 12:00 AM)

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Although it was 39 degrees outside, the Yosemite High School music department, aided by Laura Derry's rendition of "Fever" was heating up the gymnasium last Saturday night.

More than 400 people filled the gym for the second annual Nite on the Town concert. Attendees were treated to 34 musical performances by talented Yosemite High instrumentalists and singers.

The gym, where just 24 hours earlier the YHS girls basketball team humiliated Sanger in a section play-off game, was transformed into a beautiful show room, complete with four stages and linen-covered round tables decorated with fresh flower centerpieces and candles.

Yosemite High musical director Randy Hyatt called the night "a huge success and a night to remember."

"It has gone beyond raising funds," Hyatt said. "It's an awareness for our community of the importance of the arts and to showcase the super talent we have at Yosemite High."

"I felt the overall performance was raised to another level of professionalism," Hyatt said. "The students understand that this is a special night --- it's becoming a night, not only for our students but for the community, to get dressed up and enjoy a Nite on the Town."

Bill Atwood said the great turnout was a testimony to the support of education in Eastern Madera County.

"Nite on the Town is an example of what happens when a group of great students meet up with a great teacher," Atwood said. "Randy Hyatt is a gem."

After expenses for table, chair and linen rentals, along with lighting and sound equipment, Hyatt said about $5,000 was raised for the music department. Funds will be used for uniforms, dresses, tuxedos, musical equipment and an upcoming tour to perform at Disneyland in April.

Performances included the YHS jazz band, chamber singers, concert band, percussion ensemble, concert choir, brass ensemble, advanced percussion, wind ensemble and men's and women's choir.

Songs performed included "Goin' to the Chapel" by the chamber women; "Eleanor Rigby," by Selina Johnson, Colton Sterling, Brett Sneed and Mason Wheeler; "Didn't My Lord" by the Concert Choir; "Danny Boy" by Ashly Burghardt, Starr Feuerstein and Jennifer Schoonard; "For New Eyes," by Colton Sterling; and "Praetoria" by the Mens Choir. Matt Claiborne, who will attend the prestigious Berklee College of Music in Boston in the fall, received a standing ovation for his percussion solo.

Hyatt said the idea for the fundraiser came to him when he realized what his students do best.

"We are musicians and we make music," Hyatt said. "The students are better at making music than they are at selling cookie dough."

"The evening provides the opportunity for the students to utilize their skills," Hyatt said. "I was impressed by the level of professionalism by all the students."

Master of ceremonies was Liz Stoeckel, an actress and director with Fresno's Good Company Players, who also teaches theater arts in underprivileged elementary schools.

"It was incredible to see all those talented young people have the opportunity to show off their talents and abilities," Stoeckel said.

Oakhurst CPA Joy Claiborne said the concert was a good experience for the students and the community.

"The students realized this was a special night the way the venue was set up and decorated," Claiborne said. "You could feel the students' pride."

Piano accompanists for the evening were Carol Levy and Jackie Byers.

Preparation for the concert began in January and the students were responsible for selecting and preparing their acts and then had to audition for Hyatt and Pat Mierkey, volunteer assistant music director. About eight acts had to be cut due to the limited time of the concert.

"This event would not be possible without the community support we receive and the support of the Band and Choir Booster Clubs," Hyatt said.

Desserts were provided by the school's Culinary Arts and Hospitality class under the direction of Dena Boortz. Serving were members of Boortz's Life Management class.

Sponsors included Oakhurst Sierra Sunrise Rotary, Claiborne & Associates, Coarsegold Veterinary Hospital, Oakhurst Physical Therapy, Sierra Telephone, United Security Bank and Herschy Environmental Inc., Grant Mercantile Agency and Sierra Estates Assisted Living.

Monday morning Hyatt and the music department began working on the Choir Spring Concert that will be held at 7:30 p.m., Tuesday, March 16 at the YHS Theater. Other scheduled events include:

Community Band Concert: 3 p.m., Sunday, March 21, YHS Theater.

Band Spring Concert: 7:30 p.m., Saturday, March 27, YHS Theater.

Vocal Music Department Rummage Sale: 7 a.m. to 2 p.m., Saturday, March 27, YHS parking lot.

Jazz and Percussion Concert: 7:30 p.m., Wednesday, May 5, YHS Theater.

Band and Percussion End of Year Concert: 7:30 p.m., Wednesday, May 26, YHS Theater.

Vocal Music Department End of Year Concert: 7:30 p.m., Tuesday, June 1, YHS Theater.