The Kirkwood Music Department hosts concerts performed by the concert band, orchestral band, jazz band and choir every semester, with each semester having its own pieces and performances.
The choir performed pieces from the 60s with a focus on people and community. “I’m really interested in community singing and community engagement in singing,” said Fred Kiser, choir director. “With this concert, I chose songs that were popularly sung by people.”
Kiser selected songs written by Bob Dylan, Pete Seeger, Dolly Parton and Simon and Garfunkel. The songs selected by Kiser were chosen for their text’s relevance in the modern climate.
This semester, the choir did something different: Singing from the audience. “The first half of the concert, we’re going to sit in the audience and just have a sing-along and sing these songs in their original form,” said Kiser. “Then we have fancy fine art arrangements of the same piece. The choir will come on stage and sing the same songs in these arrangements. I want to see if that creates sort of a greater connection between audience, choir, and music.”
Kirkwood Jazz and concert bands have also had a busy semester with several performances, according to Chris Navarrete, jazz band and concert band director. “One of the highlights was Jazz Week at Kirkwood.”
“It was an incredible celebration featuring performances from the Pop Ensemble, Jazz Combo, Kirkwood Jazz Ensemble, and the CR Big Band,” Navarrete said.
“Looking ahead, I’m excited for our upcoming performance at the Taste of Jazz Fundraiser, which will take place at the Kirkwood Hotel. This event, hosted by KCCK, will feature the amazing guest artist Karrin Allison.
Following that, the Kirkwood Jazz Ensemble will join forces with the Iowa Jazz Composers Orchestra for our final performance of the semester.
“Our Concert Band and the CR Community Orchestra are preparing for upcoming performances centered around classical music.” Navarrete said.
Navarrete expressed how proud he is of his students and how much growth he’s seen throughout the semester and his excitement for the future. “Reflecting on this semester, I feel the music program is progressing and onward in developing an incredible culture and community.”
Navarrete also said that this semester was “a testament to the talent and passion of students and faculty that are involved, and I can’t wait to see what the future holds for all of us.”
Categories: Art & Life
