SODA SPRINGS — For the first time ever, an orchestra clinic was held at Tigert Middle School last week to give students there some expert instruction on the cello, violin and other classical instruments.
The event was organized by Soda Springs violinist Debbie Hansen, who has worked as a music aide at Tigert for the past few years and has led the effort to start an orchestra program at the school.
Clinics for orchestra students are a rarity in East Idaho, while band and choir clinics are common and most schools host them.
When the Soda Springs School District only offered band and choir clinics again this year, Hansen knew she had to take matters into her own hands.
To her knowledge, this was the first time an orchestra clinic has ever been held at Tigert.
Hansen said that at first the only space available to them for orchestra instruction at Tigert was a backroom storage closet.
Then they were able to share the room with the band and now with the additions to the middle school, they have their own large space.
They have come a long way in a few short years and continue to see the program growing.
Hansen said, “I have a few high school students that have been with me since we had after school classes. They’re good kids and we’re a close little group. It’s so rewarding to see students when they finally understand something like how to read notes or the way music is written. After this recent clinic, I had a student who said, 'I can finally read sheet music!' It’s amazing what a day of intense practice and focus can do to further their level. I finally feel like I am settling into a good rhythm of teaching.”
Haizly Mumford, an eighth grade violinist from Tigert Middle School, commented when asked how she got involved with orchestra.
She said, “I really wanted to play an instrument. I had never taken private music lessons of any kind before so when I had the chance to join orchestra in the fifth grade, I thought it would be really cool to play the violin. The violin is a super pretty instrument. Mrs. Hansen is an amazing teacher and tries so hard to get many involved. She puts a lot of time into this program. The clinic opportunity she gave us was awesome. It was amazing playing with lots of people and hearing how the music all came together.”
The clinic day performance was incredible with the young musicians playing songs like "Gauntlet" by Dough Spata, "Chasing the Storm" by Deborah Baker Monday, and the more popularly known "Hallelujah" arranged by Robert Longfield.
The students demonstrated confidence and professionalism as they performed pieces they only saw music for a few days in advance.
The students didn’t just play the notes, they executed each note with grace, making sure the crescendos and decrescendos and other dynamics were performed with detail.
Beethoven famously said, “To play without passion is inexcusable!”
When the clinic's director Teresa Norton, a charter school music teacher, spoke, the young musicians listened and gave her their full attention.
Norton is a Soda Springs native who grew up taking piano lessons from Kathy Campbell, then started violin lessons as well. Norton got her degree in music education from Idaho State University and also plays in the Idaho State-Civic Symphony.
Norton along with a handful of other musicians including Campbell, Alan Renfroe, Tanner Davis and Aimee Harris, all of Soda Springs, Ann Olorenshaw of Bancroft and Maggie Price of Snake River spent time at the clinic breaking the students into smaller groups. This helped give each student a more one-on-one directive and ensured more time focusing on sectional study.
Knowing their music experience with strings, Hansen hand-picked these musicians after years of working with them in various venues. She knew they could add an extra value to the clinic opportunity. She is grateful everyone she contacted was so willing to help.
“A huge thank you to all those who helped put this together," Hansen said. "This is the first time I’ve planned an event like this and it went better than I could have hoped. We have a lot of talent in this community."
Studies have proven that music education is good for students. It has proven to improve their multi-sensory experiences, cognitive development and memory practices, enhancing creativity, auditory and language development, and fine motor skills.
Haizley’s mom Angie says, “ I really like that orchestra is now available. It gives kids other options if they are not sure they want to do band. Debbie is an awesome teacher and makes learning music fun and interesting. Haizley loves sports, but I like that she can have other interests and be well rounded in arts and sports.”
Hansen hopes to see more students get involved in orchestra at Tigert Middle School and future clinics aimed at that goal are in the works.
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