County high school musicians perform

DAVE MOSIER/independent editor

A number of local high school musicians entertained Sunday afternoon during the eighth annual Van Wert County Young Artists Recital held at First United Methodist Church.

The students, who all participated in Ohio Music Educators Association’s solo and ensemble contest, performed pieces for which they were judged at contest.

The largest number of musicians this year, by far, were from Van Wert High School, although Crestview and Lincolnview were both well-represented, while a pianist from Paulding also performed.

The music ranged was mostly classical in nature, from Puccini’s aria “O mio babbino cara,” from Madama Butterfly to a Chopin mazurka, although the VWHS Woodwind Trio did perform an arrangement of Civil War songs.

This year, 17 different individuals and groups performed, 11 of those from VWHS, five from Crestview and one – the Lincolnview Select Choir – from that school.

More had been expected, but school delays and cancellations due to winter snowstorms caused problems with some students’ practice time

Those who performed included the VWHS Percussion Ensemble (Adam Long, Peyton Closson, Jon Lisa, Miranda Rickard, Alex Bair), which performed “Sea Wind” by O’Connor; the VWHS Sax Quintet (Jenna Waterman, Grace Mitchener, Claire Gamble, Danielle Slagle, Mark Taylor), “Eight Russian Folk Songs,” Liadov/Schmidt.

Also, Crestview’s Quintin Bouillon, who sang “Gia il sole dal Gange,” by Scarlatti; the VWHS Trumpet Quartet (Daniel Bashore, Janelle Sperry, Scott Turner, Matt Saunier), which played “Canzon” by Scheidt; VWHS student Jenna Waterman, who sang “Il mio bel foco,” by Marcello; Crestview/home-schooled student Caitlin Feasby, who played Chopin’s “Mazurka in B Minor”; VWHS student Alex Bair, who played “Yellow After the Rain” by Peters on the marimba; the VWHS Mixed Clarinet Quartet (Sarah Mengerink, Sarah Aurand, Emma Humphrey, Katie Arn), which played “Sarabande” by Grieg/Donatelli.

Also, VWHS junior Daniel Bashore, who sang “Now Shines the Fullest Glory” By Haydn; Paulding senior Jared Ross, who played Brahms’ “Rhapsody” on the piano; Crestview junior Brooke Nofer, who sang “Alma del core” by Caldera; the Lincolnview Select Choir (Kayla Hertel, Kelsey Clemons, Kelly Smith, Katie Marbaugh, Danyelle Trisel, Hillary Ludwig), which sang “Movin’ On” by Hannisian; the VWHS Trumpet Trio (Jacob Hoverman, Cody Adelblue, Trevor Pearson), which played “Fanfare and Allegro” by Pappas.

Also, the VWHS Woodwind Trio (Stephanie Haggis, Allison Smith, Andrea Foster), which performed an arrangement of Civil War songs by Hall; Crestview senior Caitlin Hancock, who sang “O mio babbino cara,” by Puccini; Van Wert senior Jon Lisa, who played “2040 Sortie” by Abel on the snare drum; and the VWHS Vocal Quartet (Mark Taylor, Thad Davis, Nate Simson, Hunter Munroe), which sang “Gentle Annie” arranged by Parker/Shaw.

Several local pianists accompanied the student singers and instrumental performers. Accompanists include Marilyn Alessandrini, Dee Fisher and Danille Hancock.

Participating music teachers were Hancock from Crestview; Lincolnview Choir Director Stacie Korte; VWHS music teachers Tina Decker, Tonia Gamble, Karen Kelly and Robert Sloan; and several private teachers, including Decker, Dee Fisher, Danille Hancock and Annette Hoverman.

As it has since the beginning, First United Methodist Church hosted the recital in its sanctuary, while The Van Wert County Foundation sponsored it through its Sanctuary Music Series.