Winter Band Concert Showcases Springfield's Musicians

On Wednesday, Jan. 20, the audience at Jonathan Dayton High was  in awe of the musical talent that lives within Springfield. The sixth grade band from Florence M. Gaudineer Middle School under the direction of Jay Laura took the stage and performed two challenging songs; you would never suspect this was their first big concert.

Shortly thereafter, the seventh and eigth graders played a crowd pleaser, "The Final Countdown" by Europe. The middle school ended their set with the Jazz Band perfoming numbers like War's "Low Rider" (arranged by Laura) and Tito Puente's "Oye Como Va."

Springfield's middle school has always had talented musicians, but this is the strongest band in over two decades. Mr. Laura is a phenomenal teacher and it's obvious that the students appreciate music and love being there.

Sixth grader Brennan Taylor (who is killer on the snare drum, by the way) has been in band for three years.

"I love playing the drums," he said. "I take guitar lessons on the side, and I'm in a band called the Kreecher. Mr. Laura is awesome."

When Ron Slate, director of the Jonathan Dayton High School band took the stage to welcome everyone, he took the mic and said "I need to take a slice of humble pie."

As always, Mr. Slate and the Dayton band delivered and got everyone tapping their feet and swaying to the music.

With only 22 members, the Dayton band band filled Halsey Hall Auditorium with sounds of "The Liberty Bell (march)" by John Philip Sousa, "Dance of the Tumblers" by Nikolai Rimsky-Korsakov in addition to the rowdy and rockin' "Legends of Rock" arranged by Paul Murtha with selections of "Hit Me With Your Best Shot," "Barracuda," "Paranoid," and "Rock and Roll All Nite."

To close out the night, the FMG band came on stage and the entire group performed "The Second Storm," by Robert W. Smith.

Slate also gave nods to the 2009/2010 Pep Band and handed out gold letters to those seniors who have been members of Pep Band all four years at JDHS.

Dayton Principal Elizabeth Cresci was pleased with the evening.

"Our kids are very talented and it's great to see FMG and JDHS working together," Cresci said. "We look forward to having them join us."

Another shout out to Mr. Michael Plias, FMG School Supervisor for showing his support at last night's concert.

Let's fill the auditorium for the Spring Concert, Springfield. The kids deserve it.