To the Wind Ensemble students of Prior Lake High School, music is more than just a class; it is a form of expression and a path to making connections.
Inspired by the traditional Colombian Fandango, in Victoriano Valencia’s “Fendegueria,” the rhythm is passed around the ensemble, creating the rhythmic illusion of the himeola as there is a shift in the weight of the pulse from two beats to three.
Although the Wind Ensemble performed this piece last year as well, this year the composer added a twist, fitting for the Wind Ensemble’s sensational accomplishment of being chosen to play in the Minnesota Music Educator Association’s Midwinter Convention.
To put it in sports terms, Prior Lake High School’s Wind Ensemble has made it to state.
In order to be selected to play at the Midwinter Conventions, an ensemble must “record and submit two recordings of contrasting styles that were within the last school year,” describes conductor Justin Schramm.
The PLHS Percussion Ensemble has participated twice; however, this is the first time in the history of Prior Lake High School’s musical journey that the Wind Ensemble has been selected to perform at the MMEA Convention, a big step for these musicians.
Conductors Justin Schramm and Keith Koehlmoos say that they have “chosen pieces of a variety of styles and difficulty levels, in hopes of exposing other educators to music from around the world.”
Two pieces in particular, “Sinfonietta No. 6: Blossom of the Heart” by Hirokazu Fukushima and “Run to the Light” by Ivan Trevino, showcase the ensemble’s strength.
Featuring elaborate percussion parts and intricate wind voicing, the pieces shift between emotions, colors, and rhythm, making for two stunning program pieces.
In preparation for the MMEA Convention, the Wind Ensemble has played with various guest conductors.
Conductors Koehlmoos and Schramm emphasize that “a different voice is very effective, and these guest conductors often have three degrees, showing excellence and refinement in their work, conducting the Wind Ensemble with the same intent as they do their college bands.”
Through working with different conductors, the Wind Ensemble’s exposure to diverse perspectives on the music allowed them to add unique phrasing and emotions to the music, creating remarkable interpretations and highlighting the composer’s purpose on each piece.
However, the journey is not easy. The Wind Ensemble’s program also features a collaborative, student-led work. “La Fiera Asturiana” by Michele Fernández exhibits the traditional Spanish Paso-Doble march, a fiery and expressive form of music.
Written for the composer’s grandmother, who struggled valiantly against her fight with cancer, the piece explores a wide variety of emotions, tempo changes, and musical styles, making it both exceptional and challenging.
Originally, leading up to the convention, the Wind Ensemble was scheduled to perform three concerts.
However, amidst all the excitement and preparation for their second of the three pre-concert performances, news arrived that the MMEA Convention, originally scheduled for February 12th, was cancelled due to the situation involving Minneapolis.
Despite being heartbroken, the Wind Ensemble still attempted their best that night, striving to make each performance of the pieces meaningful and to connect as musicians.
Even though the MMEA convention is cancelled, the Wind Ensemble is still performing one final concert on Monday, February 9th at 7pm.
Though they will no longer be performing their pieces to the MMEA jury, the concert Monday night will bring the students together for their hard work and honor the teachers, staff, and individuals who made an impact in the students’ lives.
After the long journey and all the hard work, conductors Schramm and Koehlmoos aim for the students to take away “the care, the conscious decisions on how things are going to get played, and the ownership of everyone’s individual part when it comes to fully committing to each rehearsal.”
After all, music is meant to inspire hope when shared with others.
