OREGON — The month of March was “Music in our Schools” month at OCUSD #220. In honor of March coming to an end, we would like to recap the band and choir's busy month. There were five major events that Oregon Junior Senior High School participated in during the month of March that had music flowing through our schools and the community. These events include the IHSA Solo and Ensemble contest for high school students, and then afterward the High School held “Seussical The Musical”. The OHS Jazz band also jazzed it up for Oregon’s Village of Progress. The culmination of these events was the 30th Annual Band Extravaganza. The Extravaganza is the product of students' hard work and dedication to the music program which spans from 5th grade all the way to 12th grade.
The Oregon High School Music Department (Band and Choir) went to the annual IHSA Solo and Ensemble contest on Saturday, March 8. Oregon took 121 events that day and came home with a record of 84 division I ratings, 29 division II ratings, and finally eight division III ratings. Various students also received the honor of Best of Day. This honor is given by judges who sit in their respective rooms and deem a specific event to be the best they saw all day. The students who got this honor are as follows: David Eckardt (drum set solo), Sarah Eckardt (vocal solo), Sarah Eckardt and Alease McLain (vocal duet) Sarah Eckardt and Gavin Warner (brass duet), Eleanor Guinn (violin solo), and Alexya Tran (flute solo). In addition, many students also received perfect scores for their events. These students are as follows: Maelah Barker (vocal solo), Isaac Ebert (vocal solo), Isaac Ebert and Gavyn McArthur (vocal duet), Sarah Eckardt (vocal solo), Sarah Eckardt and Gavin Warner (brass duet), Noelle Girton, Isaac Kramer, Gavyn McArthur, Gavin Warner, and Sebastian Wright (barbershop quartet), Aralin McLain, Lauren Weems (woodwind trio), Collin Kendal (electric bass solo), Elliot Peeling (vocal solo), Madeline Rogers, Alexya Tran, Giselle Zavala (flute trio), Lux Tran (piano solo), Caleb Ward (vocal solo), and Sebastian Wright (vocal solo). Congratulations to all of these dedicated students who put in so much time and effort into getting these scores. In addition, congratulations to all of the students in the OHS Music Department. Each and every one of these students put in many hours and class periods working towards these scores whether they be perfect or not. The dedication and hard work by these students reflects not only the values of the band and choir but also the values of OCUSD #220. Due to these scores, the band got first place in class B for state at the solo and ensemble contest, and the music department as a whole got second place in class B. Great job band and choir!
In addition to the contest, the Oregon High School music department has kept our schools filled with music with the OHS Musical. This year, students at OHS had plenty of wacky and colorful adventures in Seussical The Musical. Plenty of students who were in the musical already loved Seussical, so they were overjoyed when hearing about the places they’ll go in the musical. Plenty of hard work was poured into this musical outside of the singing, dancing, and acting. Behind the scenes Mr. Sarantakos and Mr. Stultz led the efforts for the stage crew and construction of the stage. Without them there would be no colorful set or lights. Both of these gentlemen are highly skilled and enhanced the experience of the musical tenfold. Under the scenes, was the pit band lead by director Mr. Eckardt. The pit band is a group of highly skilled musicians from the OHS band that took plenty of time out of their days to come in and play for the musical. These students played the non-vocal portions of the musical. This musical took months to put together, so we at OCUSD #220 would like to thank everyone involved who put on this wonderful show for the community. The show took place from Thursday, March 13 to Sunday, March 16. All involved were left with glowing reviews and many would say it was the best musical put on in years.
Furthermore, the OHS Jazz Band played for the Village of Progress in Oregon. The band rocked it with charts such as “Little Brown Jug” and “Sing, Sing, Sing!”. These selections featured many OHS students soloing, and many Village of Progress residents had their own instruments and joined in. Jazz students love putting together gigs such as this where they get to showcase their talents in learning the genre that is jazz. These students always come into rehearsal ready to work and jazz it up. Whether it be in the morning at 7 a.m. or during their hawk huddle periods. The sound they produce is amazing and they are ready to go to contest on Friday, April 11. Overall, this group did fantastic work this month in putting together a great show for the Village of Progress to enjoy.
To end the month, the band put together the 30th Annual Band Extravaganza. This event is a culmination of all the hard work a student will put into music from the time they pick up an instrument to their senior year. Fifth through twelfth grade perform at this concert in order to show the progression that they have made throughout their music careers at OCUSD #220. The event started with the Star Spangled Banner performed by the combined fifth, sixth, OJHS, and OHS bands. This song was conducted by guest conductors Mrs. Michelle Beske and Mrs. Kristy Eckardt. Afterwards, the combined Oregon Junior Senior High School band played Prairie Dances by David R. Holsinger. Throughout the rest of the event, each band got to take turns playing a selection that they have worked on this year. The fifth grade witnessed mysterious robots taking over the world, and the 6th grade had their own jazz performance describing their distaste for homework. The OJHS band went on a journey westward while the OHS band went on a journey through their own jungle fantasy. The final piece played that night was highlights from Willy Wonka. This was played by the combined fifth, sixth, OJHS, and OHS band. The bands had a great time performing this piece which ended with the Oompa Loompa Finaleoompa where fifth grade students and the OHS drumline came into the front of the gym to play for parents. This show is always a pleasure to put on, and it really does showcase the talents and hard work of each and every student in our schools. It is a perfect way to conclude “Music in Our Schools” month.
When looking back on the month of March, our schools were pleasantly filled with vibrant music. These events that are hosted each year at OCUSD #220 would not be possible without the direction of Mr. Andy Eckardt, Mr. Zach Hall, and Mr. Miles Beske. They work so hard to ensure the students at OJSHS are the best musicians they can be. They bring an enjoyable environment to their classes. They push each student to the best of their abilities. Furthermore, these events would not be possible without the students. The students work very hard whether it be in the classroom or outside of school. These students are so passionate about music that they strive for excellence each day and make an effort to involve themselves. This allows us to have such groups as the jazz band or pit band. Finally, we would like to thank the parents, adults, and other staff that help make our music department the best that it can be. Parents are the ones who fund the students’ instruments and spread the word about band and choir fundraisers. They also push their students to be the best that they can. There are plenty of parents, adults, and other staff who help set up concerts, events, and run concession stands when it is the band or choir’s turn. Without them, the band would not be functioning. The directors, students, and adults who support the music department all work together to ensure that this program runs smoothly. Thank you to everyone that allows OCUSD #220 to be able to have a “Music in Our Schools” month.
