Brunswick, Ohio witnessed a remarkable day filled with the magic of music. Thriving with instrument-carrying students and their families, the massive school building buzzed with activity. At times, the parking lots were teeming, as one group concluded and another arrived, leaving no space vacant.

Introduction to the Musical Journey

The day kicked off at 10 a.m. on December 7th. The sixth grade choir took the stage in the main gymnasium at 10 a.m., followed by the eighth grade orchestra at 10:45 a.m. in the auditorium. With each performance, the staff deftly transformed the performance area for the next groups.

Band, Orchestra, and Choral Directors at Work

Band, orchestra, and choral directors, along with other staff members, moved chairs with precision. Superintendent Jason Niedermeyer warmly welcomed concert attendees as they made their way through the cafeteria area. The halls were filled with blue shirts emblazoned with band/orchestra/chorus/band mom and dad.Sixth graders gathered in groups at the main gym, eagerly awaiting the word from band directors Melissa Neubauer and Gary Allen that it was time for their 11:30 a.m. concert. Once checked in, they took their seats in the allotted sections and engaged in a brief pre-performance practice.Neubauer took the microphone to introduce the five instruments available to sixth graders for the first months of band. Many had no prior experience before the start of school. She demonstrated the proper warming-up techniques and getting ready to perform. The students had fun playing one "off tune" note just to show that the concert would be a different experience.Allen had the students demonstrate how they learned their music. Instead of trying to play it right away, they focused on reading and reciting the notes. To the delight of the audience, the band performed exceptionally well and amazed everyone by "learning" to play a song they had never practiced before and then presenting it. Some former band members, who were parents and grandparents of the sixth graders, expressed their delight at how well the young people played.Allen also explained that although there were only five instruments in the band initially, students would soon have the chance to switch choices with the addition of tuba, saxophone, other horns, and percussion. He emphasized that by the next concert, the band would sound completely different.Meanwhile, in the auditorium, parents of sixth grade orchestra members were gathering.

Middle School Musical Performances

At 1 p.m., the seventh grade band played in the main gym, followed by the seventh and eighth grade choirs at 1:45 p.m. in the auditorium. The grand finale came at 2:30 p.m. with the sixth grade orchestra.Now, it's back to school for the students to continue their musical exploration. They will learn about new instruments and practice new songs in preparation for the March 19 Festival of Bands.