NEWS Walnut Valley Unified School District
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE 880 S. Lemon Avenue
November 20, 2013 Walnut, CA 91789
Contact:
Kelli Gile, Office of Community Resources
(909)595-1261 ext. 31204
Gift of Music
Chaparral Hosts Veterans Tribute Concert
DIAMOND BAR, CA—The Chaparral Middle School Sinfonia Orchestra, Wind Ensemble, and Combined Choirs came together to present a Veterans Day Tribute Concert on November 13.
The musical gift of patriotic music was held in honor the men and women who have or are currently serving in the Armed Forces.
The concert featured performances by all three musical ensembles and a special reading of the Gettysburg Address by Principal Ron Thibodeaux.
Professional bugler Rudy Arevelos played Taps and bagpiper Detective Scott Walton, of the Los Angeles Police Emerald Society Pipe Band, performed Amazing Grace.
The concert also had special meaning for the talented musicians.
“This concert was a dedication to all those who have served to protect our country. Chaparral’s three music groups gathered to honor and commemorate the soldiers who gave up their family, friends, loved ones, and for some, their lives. We thank you for all that you’ve done,” said orchestra member Joyce Wu.
“It felt good to sing for the veterans,” said choir member Anissa Molde-Duque.
“I was proud to celebrate Veterans Day with the orchestra especially because my aunt is serving in the Navy today,” Francesca Taggart, Sinfonia Orchestra.
“The concert represented a lot of what the veterans have done for our country. They should be honored with great praise. To all of the veterans that served- God bless you,” said Adam Salvosa, Wind Ensemble.
“The whole event was very grand and I felt honored to be a part of it,” stated Molly Mao, Chaparral Choir.
The Veterans Concert is not just a concert where our school’s music programs can make a great performance together, it’s a way to show our respect for the ones who have protected and served our country,” added Justin Yoo, Sinfonia Orchestra.
The musical directors concurred the annual event has great importance for both our veterans as well as the Chaparral students
“Anytime we have the opportunity to honor those who have protected our freedoms, we should thank them loudly and publicly,” said Greg Rochford, Director of Orchestras. The tribute concert played to a packed audience in the school’s gymnasium.
“Having all three aspects of the music program at Chaparral come together for just this reason was a spectacular way for our students to demonstrate that we all respect those who willingly put themselves in harm’s way for the betterment of all people. The students were able to share their love of music with all who were there. We hope that as they grow into young adults that they realize the importance of sacrifice and the importance of setting aside their own personal wants for the needs of all,” Rochford said.
“This is one of the most important concerts we do, because we not only honor our veterans, but we help our students learn about their sacrifices for our country. In addition, it is wonderful to perform as a music department with the choir and orchestra. It helps students see the importance of collaboration over competition, and that as musicians, we are part of the same family, striving to say some meaningful things through the music medium,” said Leslie Schroerlucke, Director of Bands.
“It was an excellent experience to have our stellar music program come together for such a noble purpose. It was great to see how the performance had a big impact on both the kids and the audience,” said Rich Langham, Director of Choirs.
Shown:
The Chaparral Band, under the direction of Leslie Schroerlucke, performed during a special Veterans Day tribute concert on November 13.
The Chaparral Choir, under the direction of Rich Langham, performed during the Veterans Day ensemble concert.
The Veterans Day ensemble performance including the Sinfonia Orchestra, under the direction of Greg Rochford.
Bagpiper Detective Scott Walton of the Los Angeles Police Emerald Society Pipe Band performed Amazing Grace.