Newaygo Musicians Shine in “Spring into Summer Concert in the Park"

The “Spring into Summer Concert” at Brooks Park

Assistant Band Director Megan Funk leads the 6th Grade Band

Story and phtos by Tara Hefferan
 
On Sunday, May 12, the 2024 Newaygo Bands Spring Concert was held in Brooks Park.  Under the blue skies and surrounded by Mother’s Day flowers, the “Spring into Summer Concert in the Park” was organized into four separate shows. 
 The 6th Grade Band Program took the stage first, playing three lively selections:  March Across the Seas, Indigo Rock, and the longtime crowd favorite, Banana Boat.
 The 7th and 8th Grade Band Program performed next.  They played Land of Liberty, Tribute for Band, and Fireball! 

The High School Symphonic Band took the stage next.  They shared three songs, including Critical Mass, A Land Remembered, and Soundtrack Highlights from Guardians of the Galaxy.  Between each song, Branden Listh, Director of Newaygo Bands, presented noteworthy students with the following awards:  

• John Philip Sousa Award: Gabriella Brooks
  
• Arion Award: Brena Belanger
  
• Semper Fidelis Award: Garrett Wolven
  
• Director's Award: Tyler Chaplinski
  
• Most Improved in Symphonic Band: Timothy Ranger​
  

Directors of Bands Branden Listh presents Garrett Wolven with the Semper Fidelis Award

The High School Jazz Band rounded out the evening, performing spirited renditions of Train Reaction, Cold Duck Time, Children of Sanchez, and Panic Button.  Cold Duck Time featured soloist Sebastian McCastle on Tenor Saxophone.  Children of Sanchez featured three soloists, Wesley Reed and Gage Heath, both on Trumpet, and Garrett Wolven on Trombone.  Panic Button featured soloists Zachary Spaulding on Tenor Saxophone, Wesley Reed on Trumpet, and Dominic Beerman on Bari Saxophone.
 Two Jazz Band students were honored with special awards:

• Most Improved: River Borkowski
  

• Louis Armstrong Award: Garrett Wolven
  

 Mr. Listh also bestowed seven Senior Spirit Awards.  Recognized were the following seniors:

• Gabriella Brooks
  
• Tyler Chaplinski
  
• Ashton Harris
  
• Luis Mejia Garcia
  
• Brendan Newfer
  
• Aamori Paz
  
• Garrett Wolven
  

Commenting on the event, Mr. Listh said, “Today's concert was geared around picking some really great music to help our band members level up their skills. We wanted to challenge them a bit and make it a fun learning experience. They loved every piece! Each one had a special instrument section featured or was something I knew the students would enjoy a lot. I want to make sure everyone has a great time, whether they're performing or watching.”  The many smiling faces and dancing feet at Brooks Park suggest that Mr. Listh was successful in making the concert a great time.  
 As the academic year winds down, the Bands Program has just one more school performance to give--at graduation, May 23.  But, the student musicians will not have much rest time, since band camp begins the first week of summer break.  The Marching Band will be preparing for the Croton Independence Day Parade on July 6, while also beginning work on the fall Marching Band program, “Reign of the Aztecs.”