By trent Robison

Moapa Valley Progress

The MVHS Jazz Band performs at the annual Spring Concert last Monday.

The Moapa Valley High School Band and Orchestra programs performed at an annual Spring Concert held Monday, May 21 in the Ron Dalley Theatre. Led by Director Tony Polzien, the orchestra and band ensembles played 10 musical selections for the audience including two pieces performed by a combined orchestra with the band.

The concert opened with the combined orchestra playing Glorioso and The Second Storm both by Robert W. Smith. The strings only orchestra then played Allegro Gustoso by Jeremy Woolstenhume and Mantras by Richard Meyer.

The Symphonic Band then played Sparks by Brian Balmages, a three movement Mountain Country Dance by Jonnie Vinson, and Rough Riders by Karl King.

The Jazz Band was next playing “Mind Your P’s and Q’s” and “If I Could Fly” by Mike Smukal, and “Downtown Shuffle” by Jeff Tyzik.

Awards were given to many of the ensemble students. Orchestra student, Brittany Harding received the National School Orchestra Award, the highest honor to give in a high school orchestra recognizing outstanding performance and contributions to the orchestra. In addition, Rachel Dalley, Brian Graffam and L’Rysa McMurray received the Orchestra Director’s Award, awarded to students who the director recognizes as outstanding players.

Band students Tanner Maughan and Alexa Seely received the John Philip Sousa Award recognizing a student’s superior musicianship and dedication to the band. Alyssa Zerkle and Tyler Winzenreid were awarded the Louis Armstrong Award honoring outstanding jazz musicians. The Patrick Gilmore Award was given to Brandon Johnson. Logan Hanevold was awarded the Band Director’s Award. Tyler Winzenreid was named the Outstanding Jazz Soloist. Bryanna Sheldon and Jonathan Brown were awarded the Music Leadership Award. Summer Owens and Pace Maughan were both awarded the Music Achievement Award. Parker Chappell and Pamela Mecham were awarded the All Around Musician Award.

“The concert was amazing,” Polzien said, “ It was a perfect way to end a very successful year.”