By Jake Weber
The Village Reporter
(May 11th 2015): STRYKER—Parents, friends, and relatives of Stryker Middle & High School gathered in the High School auditorium on Monday evening for an exceptionally classy affair hosted by the Stryker Music Department. The presentation featured works of art by the students of Laura Moser in grades 8-12 as well as a performance by the Junior and High School band and choirs.
The musical portion kicked off with an introduction by Kristi Miehls, the vocal director for Stryker Middle & High School. The Junior High Men’s Chorus sang a rendition of Africa by Paich & Porcaro/Audrey Snyder. The piece was an eccentric, funky tune that featured a solo by Izayuh Littin. Following the Men’s Chorus was the Ladies Chorus singing the smash hit by Adele titled Someone Like You, with an introductory solo serenaded by MaKaela Treace. The two choirs then joined together with the pop ballad Bad Day originally made famous by Daniel Powter.
The Junior High Band, directed by Dustin Maroon, opened their three-song act with a Swearingen piece titled Entrance of the Tall Ships. The sparkling overture envokes a vision of beautiful, sailing vessels entering the harbor. The second piece, Phantom Ship by Elliot Del Borgo, and the closing Off to the Races by Eric Osterling drew much love and praise from the audience.
Miehls then led the High School Choir onto the stage for their final public appearance, starting with I Am But a Small Voice: an acclaimed song composed by Batnag & Whittaker/John Coates, Jr., that was cultivated when Roger Whittaker held a songwriting contest where children submitted lyrics on peace and understanding. The arrangement featured two soloists, Samantha Haas and Sterling Wisnieswki. Puttin’ on the Ritz was a quartet composition led by Brittany Breier, Trevin Rhoades, Shi’Anna Whitman, and Sterling Wisnieski. The choir then resolved their performance with two final acts: (Sittin’ On) The Dock of the Bay and Flying Free.
Sterling Wisnieski was selected to participate in the All-Ohio State Youth Fair Choir in August of this year. The outstanding Senior Choir Member award was bestowed upon Casey Reiniche. “Reiniche vocal leadership will be greatly missed by both our staff and his fellow peers”, stated Miehls. Casey plans on attending Heidelburg University in the fall for Music Education in the fall.
The High School Band concluded the evening’s events with three moving arrangements: March Glorious, Yorkshire Ballad, and Carnaval in Sao Paulo. March Glorious, a piece by Eric Osterling, was a stirring, intense march with a dramatic and forceful brass lead. The final two songs composed by James Barnes. The former, Yorkshire Ballad, encompasses flowing countermelodies of a typical English folk ballad. The band signed off with Carnival in Sao Paulo, was a catchy and fun tune that brought out the bellowing trombone section.
The Senior band members were given special awards presented by director Dustin Maroon. Katie Yoder, the solo tuba performer, Gabrielle Paxton, an alto tax player, Cody Michael, percussion extraordinaire, and finally Amy Chappius and Kinzie Powers, two airy flute wonders were all recognized and applauded for their dedication and evolution from beginning the program in 5th grade.
The High School band will have two final appearances before concluding for the year: the band will play at Graduation on May 24th and the following day for the Memorial Day Parade.