On Jan. 11, approximately 70 fifth grade students had their first ever band performance. Shawn Sandersfeld, their director, has been working with these students since the end of September.

Fifth grade students are able to have weekly lessons with Sandersfeld and meet as a large group once a week at the end of the school day. They have been working so hard and were very excited to perform for friends and family. It was an absolutely wonderful concert, and the students were able to show off all their hard work.

They are looking forward to their next performance on Tuesday, April 30. It is a great beginning for their instrumental music careers.

SEIBA Honor Band

On Saturday, Jan. 6, six middle school band students auditioned for the Southeast Iowa Band Association Honor Band. Students were required to memorize all major scales, plus learn two musical etudes.

The audition process is a great way to learn to be an independent musician. Fiona McClellen (alto saxophone) and Danie Bohlen (clarinet) were accepted into the SEIBA Honor Band. They spent all day Saturday, Jan. 20 at the University of Iowa Voxman School of Music Building rehearsing with other students from southeast Iowa and gave a sold out performance that evening. Mrs. Zeglis is to be thanked for helping to prepare these students for a successful experience.

MPHS Jazz Band

On Tuesday, Jan. 23, the MP High School Jazz Band participated in a professional recording session at the Open Concert Cafe in Cedar Rapids. While there, they recorded “On Green Dolphin Street” with guest artist James Mons. It was a great experience to be in a professional setting and gain the experience of working with other professional musicians from Iowa.

On Saturday, Jan. 27, the MP High School Jazz Band traveled to Clear Creek High School to compete in the Iowa High School Music Association State Jazz Band Contest. They performed “On Green Dolphin Street” arranged by Frank Mantooth. Logan McClellen, Joe Hall, and Jacob Carrillo were soloists for this piece.

Next was “The Moment of Truth” written by Roger Schmidli, featuring Madi Davidson. Finally, they ended with “Trick Shot” written by Steve Flowers. Isabelle Duvall, Joe Hall, Jacob Carrillo, and Jarrett Tebockhorst all had solos for this piece.

At the end of their performance, they received a I (Superior) Rating.

Music In Our Schools Month

The Mid-Prairie Music Department has a busy few months coming up. They start off Music in our Schools Month with the MP High School choirs presenting their Pops & Pie Concert on Thursday, Feb. 29 in the high school cafeteria. Soloists and small groups will start at 6:15 p.m., and Mixed Choir and Lyrica will start at 8:00 p.m.

On Monday, March 4, the 6th grade band, 7th/8th grade band, and HS Jazz Band will present their concert at 7:15 p.m. in the middle school gym.

On Tuesday, March 5, the HS Jazz Band will perform at the University of Iowa Voxman Music Building at 7:35 p.m. as part of the Jazz Corridor Music Project.

On Thursday, March 7, supporters and fans have their choice of two different concerts. The Middle School 6th grade choir, and 7th/8th grade choirs will present their variety show at 7:15 p.m. in the middle school gym. There will also be a wide variety of soloists and small ensembles at this concert.

The MPCSD Homeschool Strings program will be held at 7 p.m. in the high gym.

After spring break, things heat up again with the HS Band and Jazz Band presenting their Pops Concert on Thursday, March 21 at 7:15 p.m. in the high school cafeteria.

Consider coming out to support these students; they would love to see you in the audience.