Music Brings the Christmas Spirit

The "Encore! Chamber Muscians" presented their annual Christmas concert on Wednesday, December 10th. This year it was held in the Salem Community Center and was free to the public. These very talented young people shared their love for the holidays by performing familiar classical pieces along with some favorite Christmas music. Seeing the lighted trees on the pond added to the enjoyment of those who attended this special event.

The Jr. Orchestra, under the direction of Denise Jamsa, is made up of 22 children ranging in age from 7 to 12. All of these children are taking private lessons from teachers in the area who help them prepare for the recitals and concerts they give. One of those teachers, Andrea Bailey, is assisting Denise in directing the children. They started the concert with a fun number called "Grandfather's Clock". They also performed "The First Noel" and "Themes from the Nutcracker".

Picture above, left to right: Tiffany Nelson, Bethany Graham, Aidan Compas, Ethan Compas, Andrew Hale, Johnathan Tanner, Madeline Stone, Adrene Harding, Jaantje Bowman, Legend Carter, Sven Jamsa. Second row: Denise Jamsa, Andrea Bailey, Anna Tanner, Joshua Hatton, David Finley, Callie Peterson, Elisabeth Oldham, Darby Thomas, Rachel Christensen, Amber Bailey, Bethany Davis, Rebecca Thompson and Isaac Oldham.

Marcel Bowman, assisted by his wife Monika, is the conductor for the Intermediate Orchestra made up of 11 students, most are Junior High school age. They played selections by Mouret, Bela Bartok and the first movement of Mozart's Eine Kleine Nachtmusic.

Pictured above, front row: Benjamin Hale, Jonathan Hale, Jacob Searcy. Back row: Marcel Bowman, Maren Williams, Jocelyn Baker, Ambrynn Bowman, Taylor Stilson, Ben Hatch. (June Curtis, Savannah Stone and Jared Buhler, not pictured)

The Honors Quintet, an advanced group, is made up of high school and college students. They performed two movements from Quintet in C Major, Op. 37 by Boccherini. These are serious musicians who are also involved in other orchestras and continued study of music. What a gift to our community it is to have all of these young muscians share their outstanding talents for us to enjoy. Those who attended this concert felt the spirit of Christmas that music can bring at this special time of the year.

Pictured above: (left to right) Monika Bowman, Marcel Bowman, Kalee Young, Michael Sly, Katie Cloud and Laura Hatch.