By Amber Moser, Staff Writer
It’s common knowledge that Reynolds is a magnet for talented young artists. From freshmen to seniors, there is no lack of individuals waiting for an opportunity to strut their stuff – and when better to do so than the upcoming spring concerts?
Guitar, piano, band, orchestra and chorus classes will be performing their last concerts of the year this month. These concerts are the students’ and teachers’ final opportunity to put their work from the 2014-2015 school year on display. However, the mood approaching these concerts is bittersweet for a large portion of Reynolds’ student population. Not only will this performance be the last of the year, but for the Class of 2015, it will be their last concert at Reynolds.
“This is a very special concert for us because it’s the seniors’ last,” said Margaret Rehder, whose Philharmonic and Symphonic string orchestra classes were both given superior rankings and first-place trophies at district competitions this year. “There’ll be a little extra level of excitement because of that.”
The guitar and piano classes kick off the busy month with a recital Wednesday, May 13. Then come three shows in a row: chorus on May 19, orchestra on May 20 and band on May 21. All the shows begin at 7 p.m. in Reynolds Auditorium.
“These guys have worked really hard,” band director Derrick James said. “They’re really mature and really pleasant people to be around. I just can’t believe it’s been four years.”
The seniors will not be the only ones performing their last pieces during the spring concerts this year, though. Bruce Moss, the piano teacher, will be retiring with the class of 2015.
“I will miss teaching. I will really miss Reynolds,” Moss said. “Reynolds is an amazing place.”
In addition to the concert Moss is running for his piano students, he will be featured as a piano accompanist at the band concert.
“We all crave a slower pace of life at some time,” James said. “We’ll miss him around here; he’s always been a really positive force for the building.”
Along with Moss’ retirement, the chorus students will be facing a bittersweet night at the thought that Terry Hicks could be doing his final show, although Hicks emphasized that no changes in leadership in the arts department have been finalized.
“The caliber of everything has been directly related to excellent students, and there are some magnificent students coming up through the freshman, sophomore and junior classes,” said Hicks, who at one point earlier this year was said to be considering replacing Moss and opening the door for a new chorus teacher to occupy his spot.
Despite its bittersweet tones, these concerts are expected to be phenomenal displays of talent, with diverse music ranging from the Avengers Theme (played by the band) to 1960s jams reproduced by chorus. The cost of attendance is $5 (free for faculty members).