The biggest fundraiser of the year for the Yosemite High School Music Department will be held at 6 p.m., March 5, in the Harry Baker, Jr. gym.
Praised every year for its professional stage lighting, sound system, linen-draped tables, and award-winning student talent, “Nite on the Town” will feature 100 YHS students performing 30 memorable pieces.
The Yosemite High band, wind ensemble, jazz band, and advanced percussion will be under the direction of Francisco Marquez, and the concert choir, chamber singers, and treble ensemble will be under the direction of Christel Biasell. There will also be individual, duet, and trio performances during the musical extravaganza.
Performances will include high-brow classical, standard jazz, musical theater, and current pop, with well-known pieces from popular movies and television.
The combined choirs, along with a saxophone quartet will present the beloved theme song from the old TV show, “The Addams Family.”
“Reflection” from Walt Disney Pictures’ Mulan, will be sung by the Concert Choir, with piano accompaniment by Karen Shelton.
For the final piece of the evening, the bands and choirs will perform the uplifting, “A Jubilant Song” - text by Walt Whitman, music by John Leavitt, and instrumental orchestration by John Moss.
Lord of the Rings
Bassoonist Jamie Hellwig, and pianist Lillian O’Day, both 16, are collaborating on a three song “Lord of the Rings” medley by Adam Wallace.
“Anyone that’s a fan of the movie ‘The Hobbit’ will recognize these three songs,” Hellwig said. “They are pretty slow but dramatic pieces.”
O’Day, who is a sophomore at Glacier High School, is a member of the YHS Advanced Choir and Chamber Singers, and feels everyone in the community would enjoy the event.
“It’s a great musical evening for the entire community,” O’Day said. “It’s a classy event that showcases all the amazing musical talent at Yosemite High School in a concert hall atmosphere.”
O’Day, who played flute in the Oak Creek Intermediate School band for two years, has been playing piano since she was 7 years old, and the flute since the age of 11. After high school graduation, she plans to major in medicine, but will minor in music. Her accomplishments are many including:
* Principal flautist, Fresno Youth Symphony Orchestra.
* Participant of Certificate of Merit for the piano for the past three years.
* Superior rating as a pianist for the California Music Education Association (CMEA) Solo Festival.
* Superior rating and Command Performance rating at CMEA regional level and at state level as flautist.
* Past member of Oakhurst Community Band.
* Ballet dancer for eight years at California Arts Academy.
* 2011 lead role in “Dude You Hear What I Hear” - a Sierra Pines Church production.
Hellwig, a YHS junior and member of the YHS Advanced Choir and Chamber Singers, started playing piano at the age of 6, took up the flute at 9, and picked up the bassoon just a year ago.
Hellwig is serious about music and wants to one day teach it.
“Being surrounded by music can take you to an alternative, tranquil place,” Hellwig said. “Music has been a big part of my life and I plan to major in music education when I go to college.”
Like O’Day, Hellwig’s resume is impressive:
* Principal bassoonist for the CMEA Fresno/Madera Counties Honor Orchestra.
* Flautist in the Fresno Youth Philharmonic Orchestra.
* Received a Superior Rating and a Command Performance Rating at the regional level and the state level as a flautist in a trio and a small ensemble.
* Performs with the Oakhurst Community Band.
* Volunteer for Big Brothers Big Sisters.
* President of the Golden Oak 4-H Club.
* Involved in Key Club, Interact, and C.S.F.
* Recent first place and grant recipient for the Martin Luther King speech contest.
Scrumptious desserts prepared by YHS Culinary Arts students will be served, and a silent auction will be held during the evening.
Masters of ceremonies for the evening will be Kent Byers and Peter Cavanaugh.
Details: Yosemite High School “Nite on the Town,” 7 - 9 p.m., March 5. Tickets $20 in advance, $25 at the door. Reserved seating and special recognition for sponsor tables of eight for $250, (559) 683-4667 ext. 243.
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