Freedom to play

Freedom to play Subhead Young musicians astonish at BAC’s Frazier Performance Hall News Staff Wed, 04/03/2024 - 05:26 Image

• Nathan Diebenow | Meridian Tribune Meridian’s Not So Jazz Band - Jazz Band performed at the 2024 Showcase of Young Musicians at the Frazier Performance Hall in the Bosque Arts Center on Thursday, March 21. Band members pictured are (from left) Trent Pruitt, Daniel Yguerabide, Maryn Roberson, and Ellie Baker.

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People love music regardless of our age level, hometown, or school district.

Music is good for the mind, body, and soul. It brings back memories and lifts our spirits to carry on.

That’s why the Bosque Civic Music Association provided young people with an opportunity to showcase their musical chops on Thursday evening, March 21, at the Bosque Arts Center.

Almost 20 young musicians from Clifton and Meridian performed various genres of music for the crowd in the Frazier Performance Hall in Clifton.

BCMA President Kathy Harr welcomed the eager listeners to the showcase now in its sixth year.

Bryan Davis served as the night’s emcee, and he brought not only his wit and humor but also his knowledge of musical history to the program.

The performances kicked off with a rendition of the National Anthem by Colby Cummings on sax and Daniel Yguerabide on piano.

First up was Eli Lovell, a 4th grade home school student who played “Concerto No. 2 in G Major” by F. Seitz on his violin.

Next Colby Cummings – 9th grade student at Meridian High School – returned to play his tenor sax on the elevation worship song “Trust in God.” Yguerabide also accompanied him on piano.

A trio from Clifton Middle School comprised of 8th graders Leah Knapp on flute, Alexi Leger on also saxophone, Rylee Hagan on clarinet played “Calypso Morning” by Bruce Pearson.

Eighth grader from Clifton Middle School Keoni Dolida followed with Freddie Mercury’s “Bohemian Rhapsody” on piano.

Ninth grader from Meridian High School Benjamin Beaudin next performed “Colossus Air and Variations by H.A. VanderCook on tuba.

Fellow ninth grader from MHS – Jackson Boganwright – strutted in his pink suit as he played “Russian Sailor’s Dance” by Reinhold Gliere.

Fourteen-year-old home school student Anna Lovell followed on violin with her rendition of “Concerto No. 1 in G Minor” by M. Bruch.

Home school student Katrina Tergerson, 17, of Good Shepherd Academy next tickled the piano keys on W.A. Mozart’s “Rondo Alla Turca.”

Closing out the night’s performance was Meridian’s “Not So Jazz Band – Jazz Band.” The 10-piece professional outfit comprised of young people who attend Meridian High School played three tunes.

The band includes Ellie “Ellie Benelli” Baker, Benjamin “Boogie Ben” Beaudin, Caleb “Sticks” Cummings, Colby “Happy Feet” Cummings,” Dawson “Cheddars” Cummings, Hayden “Beats & Cleats” Cummings, Trent “Rocker Boi” Pruitt, Jackson “Jackson Riley” Riley, Maryn “Flute Loop” Roberson, and Noah “Little Red” Smith.

After the show, the musicians and the audience mingled in the BAC’s Atrium for refreshments and fellowship.

Future BCMA activities

The Bosque Chorale, a volunteer group of singers from the community, will perform its spring concert on Thursday, April 11, 2024. The title of the show is “The Impossible Dream.”

The BCMA summer camp is also scheduled for July 22-25, 2024.

About BCMA

In January 2009, the Bosque Civic Music Association was founded to provide musical opportunities for all citizens – students and adults – and to encourage the appreciation, education, and development of individual and group musical talents.

The BCMA conducts several activities during the year, including summer music camps for children, scholarships for graduating seniors pursuing music studies in college, and sponsorships for the Bosque Chorale.

You can be involved in BCMA in many ways:

•Become a member when you join the Bosque Arts Center.

•Become a Bosque Chorale patron, providing funding for concerts.

•Attend BCMA’s events and enjoy great music, food, and friendship.

•Attend concerts presented by the Bosque Chorale or perform as a singer.

•Bring the young musicians to the BCMA’s summer music camp at the BAC.

•Take piano lessons from a one of several BCMA member teachers.

•Share your talents as a performer.