Twin Falls High School musicians prepare joint concert honoring veterans

Students in Twin Falls High School's band, choir and orchestra are preparing to bring their music programs together for a Veterans Day tribute. Their fourth annual combined concert will feature medleys of American folk tunes and familiar patriotic songs, with the performance scheduled for 7 p.m. Wednesday, November 11, at Roeper Auditorium. Veterans can attend free of charge.

The concert gives the student musicians an opportunity to perform for their community while recognizing people who have served. Orchestra Director John Mark Shipley said the purpose is to express respect and honor for local veterans through music. That goal is guiding a collaboration that brings instrumentalists and singers into the same performance.

For viola player Sage Tubbs, one of the rewards is hearing how the separate musical parts fit together. During rehearsals, she pointed to the combined performance of "Battle Hymn of the Republic" as an example. She said a part played on its own can sound less appealing, but adding the band and choir makes the experience much more enjoyable.

Preparing the concert also asks students to think beyond their individual performances. Cellist Isabella Heaps described the importance of listening and working with other musicians. Playing in tune alone is not enough, she explained, because an ensemble needs its members to coordinate with one another to produce their best collective sound.

Student Aidan Lancaster described a personal connection to orchestra that has grown over time. Lancaster initially joined to spend time with a brother who played a different instrument. What began as a way to be together has since become an important part of Lancaster's daily life, one that is now difficult to imagine going without.

Choir director Daniel Child said music can reach people in different ways and give them a means of expressing feelings. "It's a way to connect emotions that are often difficult to express," he said.

Child also spoke about what the performance might offer veterans in the audience. He said some may be seeking closure, help or a brighter moment in their lives, and he hopes sharing music can provide a measure of comfort.

The November 11 program brings those hopes together with the students' work in rehearsal. Through their joint performance, the school's three music groups aim to make their appreciation for veterans heard while sharing the results of their collaboration with the community.