On Wednesday, May 16th, hundreds of elementary, middle, and high school students from schools all over the Newport Mesa Unified School District poured into the CMHS large Gym, each clutching a different musical instrument and wearing uniforms that separated them from the others. As each student found his or her respective seat among the masses, they settled down and placed their sheet music upon a medley of music stands, each bearing a different school’s name. While the students were different, the sheets of paper each held were the same.
This gathering of musically-driven students was the annual District Instrumental Festival, which has been held at CMHS for the past 5 years. At this festival, coordinated by Scott Fitzpatrick, members of instrumental groups from all over NMUSD come together and play songs as one, unified group. With help from Mrs. Gilboe, director of the CMHS bands, and student volunteer Kayla Javier, the gym became a meeting place for all of these students with one passion: creating beautiful music.
The event started with a farewell to a retiring teacher and a recognition to a woman who has contributed thousands of dollars to the music program through a kayaking fundraiser. The elementary school bands played the first selection of the night, “Rainbow Connection,” conducted by TeWinkle band director Mr. McFadden, and then followed up with “Louie Louie,” conducted by Davis band director Mr. Shiskovsky. Next, the middle school bands played “Engines of Resistance,” conducted by Estancia director Mrs. Sato. This was followed up by a performance of several folk songs by the combined string groups, conducted by Kaiser music teacher Mrs. Seidman. The various violins, violas, and other string instruments were supplemented by singing. Next, Corona del Mar director Mr. Jamora conducted the high school bands in “The Great Locomotive Chase.” Finally, all the groups except for the strings combined to play “Liberty Eagle March,” conducted by Mrs. Gilboe.
This gathering of musically-driven students was the annual District Instrumental Festival, which has been held at CMHS for the past 5 years. At this festival, coordinated by Scott Fitzpatrick, members of instrumental groups from all over NMUSD come together and play songs as one, unified group. With help from Mrs. Gilboe, director of the CMHS bands, and student volunteer Kayla Javier, the gym became a meeting place for all of these students with one passion: creating beautiful music.
The event started with a farewell to a retiring teacher and a recognition to a woman who has contributed thousands of dollars to the music program through a kayaking fundraiser. The elementary school bands played the first selection of the night, “Rainbow Connection,” conducted by TeWinkle band director Mr. McFadden, and then followed up with “Louie Louie,” conducted by Davis band director Mr. Shiskovsky. Next, the middle school bands played “Engines of Resistance,” conducted by Estancia director Mrs. Sato. This was followed up by a performance of several folk songs by the combined string groups, conducted by Kaiser music teacher Mrs. Seidman. The various violins, violas, and other string instruments were supplemented by singing. Next, Corona del Mar director Mr. Jamora conducted the high school bands in “The Great Locomotive Chase.” Finally, all the groups except for the strings combined to play “Liberty Eagle March,” conducted by Mrs. Gilboe.
Overall, the night was a great success thanks to parent and teacher volunteers, the hard work and collaboration of music teachers across the school district, and the effort and planning of student favorite Mr. Fitzpatrick. The Festival was an excellent showcase of the talented and vital instrumental programs here in the district.
“I think it is a great event for the NMUSD community. Music should be about growth and collaboration, which the evening definitely is. I think it is great that it is open for the whole community. I think it is great to see the growth from elementary - high school. I think it can be inspiring for the younger musicians in particular. It is also fun to collaborate with other schools/musicians and directors. I love the idea of the big mass band finale as well!” said Mrs. Gilboe.
“I think it is a great event for the NMUSD community. Music should be about growth and collaboration, which the evening definitely is. I think it is great that it is open for the whole community. I think it is great to see the growth from elementary - high school. I think it can be inspiring for the younger musicians in particular. It is also fun to collaborate with other schools/musicians and directors. I love the idea of the big mass band finale as well!” said Mrs. Gilboe.
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