The Wiscasset schools Visual and Performing Arts Department presented its annual Spring Gathering of the Arts on May 23. There was an art exhibit including work from fourth through 12th grade students and a concert featuring the Spring Concert Chorus, the Beginning Band, the Concert Band and the WMHS Jazz Band.

 

Students grades four through 12 shared a mix of artworks including drawing, painting, color design, photography, ceramics and more. Several works that traveled around the state this year were honored, including a selection of works from this year’s Maine Art Gallery student exhibit. Linda Dygert, nearly 50-year educator and Wiscasset School district nearly 40/year staff member, was recognized as this year’s art advocate for sharing her love of photography with select high school students, sixth grade quarter four students and the middle school Photo Club! From this exhibit, works will be selected for next year's statewide student exhibits! The exhibit will be up through June 13. Visitors are encouraged to offer feedback via the show’s guest book.

 

The concert opened with the chorus presenting three sets of songs. The first was songs of joy, which included, “Joy Inside” and “To Joy” (a partner song including Beethoven’s “Ode to Joy” melody). The second set featured songs from Broadway shows. First, “It’s the Hard-Knock Life” from “Annie.” Then, “When I Grow Up” from “Matilda the Musical” (with Emery Footer, Charlie Herrick, Peyton Marr and Emma Stewart as soloist) followed by “Seize the Day” from Disney’s “Newsies” (with Christopher Lincoln, Hope Vallier, Hunnter Bailey, Brodie Powell and Jace McArdle as soloists/a small group ensemble). The last set was songs about the rain which included the traditional African song, “Mangwani Mpulele” followed by “I Can’t Stand Still Under Those Raindrops” where students presented a choreographed routine using colorful umbrellas.

 

The newly formed WMHS Jazz Band gave a surprise performance next. They played the upbeat “Ants in the Pants.” Anthony Monfiletto opened the piece with a solo on the drum set. Other players included Linnea Andersson, Christopher Lincoln, Xoe Morse, Rina Munz, Xzaver Ordung and Danika Osmond.

 

Then, Linnea Andersson played a lovely solo piece, “Andante et Allegro” by Barat on her trumpet, accompanied by Cheryl Dilts on the piano. Next, the elementary beginning band students were featured with each instrument section showing off their new skills playing various familiar melodies, followed by “Old McDonald Had a Band.”

 

The Concert Band opened with “March on a Welsh Air,” a piece that is traditionally part of a ceremony that marks the farewell of a Welsh airman. This was followed by “Anasazi,” music depicting the mysterious disappearance of the lost tribe of the Anasazi Indian tribe. Next was “Dragon Slayer,” an adventurous piece, featuring the percussion section, about a journey to a world where dragons roam free.

 

The final performance was “Bringer of War” which was inspired by Holst’s “Mars” from “The Planets.” Using only six notes in all instruments and a rhythmic ostinato, the music portrayed a powerful and mysterious energy.

 

The Wiscasset Visual and Performing Arts faculty and students would like to thank the Wiscasset community for its continued support of art and music in our schools. Congratulations to all participating students on a successful spring exhibit and concert! The final performance this school year of the Wiscasset Middle High School Band will be at Wiscasset Wormfest on Saturday, June 8.