By GABRIELLE SHIOZAWA
Moapa Valley Progress
A group of Moapa Valley High School Concert Band students performed at Southern Utah University in Cedar City on Jan. 12. The 11 selected band members were recently accepted into the prestigious SUU Honor Band and performed along with 129 other students from Nevada, Utah and Arizona.
The musicians’ preparation actually began back in December. SUU music professor Dr. Adam Lambert, who directs the Honor Band, visited MVHS to work with the selected students including. The group included seniors Averee Widdison, Yadon Witsken, Hanna Mortensen, Bria Scatterday, and Marina Mortensen; juniors Aubrey Aikele, Ronnie Bullock, Nicolas Sosa, Savanna Carson, and Rita Rodgers; and sophomore Sydney Landini.
The students arrived at SUU on Jan. 11 where they began rehearsing at 7 a.m.
“The rehearsal schedule was a grueling one,” MVHS music instructor Kim Delgadillo said.
Delgadillo explained that the musicians were required to rehearse for 12 hours on Friday and six hours on Saturday.
“It’s an amazing experience for these students to play that level of music and to be involved in the college environment,” Delgadillo said.
Marina Mortensen agreed with Delgadillo.
“It’s a lot of work, but the payoff was definitely worth the pain,” she said. “We were able to see change and growth happening right before our eyes!”
The students then performed in a concert at SUU on the evening of Saturday, Jan. 12. Songs performed by the band included Percy Grainger’s “Gum-Suckers March,” Ron Nelson’s “Aspen Jubilee,” and Gustav Holst’s “Suite no. 1 in E-flat Major.”
Junior Rita Rodgers and sophomore Sydney Landini were chosen to play solos during the concert. Landini described the experience as “nerve-wracking.”
“I was very surprised and happy when I was chosen to play a solo,” Landini said, “It was a great experience. Being the youngest from our school is pretty exciting, and this has helped me become a better musician.”
Aubrey Aikele said that she loved working with so many serious and dedicated students.
“I always really enjoy practicing with people who care about improving,” Aikele said. “It brings up the playing level so much and makes playing with a group more enjoyable.”
Seniors Yadon Witsken, Averee Widdison, Marina Mortensen and Hanna Mortensen are all auditioning for a position in the SUU Band as well.
“I love the program. It has really helped me throughout my music career,” Marina Mortensen said, “It really helps us grow.”
