On January 23rd, Anna Bruhner ( flute) and Nathan Koman, (french horn), students from El Molino Music's Concert Band participated in the Sonoma County Honor Band along with other outstanding music students from Sonoma County high and middle schools. The high school portion of the program was directed by the vivacious and witty Dr. Robert Ponto, who had the students rapt attention from the beginning of the two, six hour long rehearsals.
The repetoire was varied, complex and exciting. The students played three challenging modern compositions starting with, early music inspired "Courtly Airs and Dances" by Ron Nelson, a mourning composition called "Elegy for a Young American" by Ronald Lo Presti and the ethically influenced "Strange Humors'" by John Mackey. Click below to see and hear and the final performance of "Strange Humors".
The 2009 Winter Concert was a wonderful event that showcased all the talent and hard work of the El Molino Concert band, Jazz Ensemble, Concert and Honor Choir. Below are a few photos of the concert.
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All music courses fulfill the graduation requirement of 10 units of Fine Arts coursework, and fulfill the U.C. and Cal. State U. (P), college prep requirement for Fine Arts coursework. All classes require co-curricular participation: after-school rehearsals, activities and performances are a part of the student’s grade.
Band is open to students with experience on a traditional band instrument. Students learn musicianship and skills on their instrument through preparation of a variety of band music literature. Although ELMO does not currently have a string orchestra, string players such as violins and bass players are welcome to play in band.