The Fort Atkinson High School (FAHS) Orchestra took the stage for the first time during the 2020-2021 school year. The spring concert was held Tuesday, May 25.
During the concert, students performed a variety of music that they have worked on over the course of the school year. Additionally, a number of student compositions were showcased. Solos and duets were showcased within pieces performed by the entire group.
“After 14 months of not performing, we were incredibly excited to be on stage and make music together for an audience. This year has been the most challenging yet rewarding year of music-making. Despite all of the obstacles this year, students stepped up to the plate to put on a really incredible concert. These students care about each other on a level so much deeper than just the music, and that was evident in their performance. Their dedication and preparation led to a confident and polished performance,” Bill Callaway, FAHS orchestra teacher said. His comments were shared as part of a recent news release about the concert.
Special recognition was placed in the program, highlighting senior orchestra members. The program, available to patrons both electronically and in hard copy, featured pictures of graduating students, along with special acknowledgement, and other information, including students’ favorite memories from their time in orchestra, advice for younger students, and future plans, the release stated.
This concert also featured the presentation of a number of Orchestra Program awards. In previous years, the entire FAHS Performing Arts Department would hold a specific awards banquet to celebrate the close of the school year. With the unconventional format of the year, FAHS Performing Arts faculty decided to present awards at their respective concerts.
At this concert, the following awards were presented:
- The National School Orchestra Award was presented to Olivia Granec. The National School Orchestra Award is the counterpart to the Sousa Band Award. This recognition is the highest honor that can be bestowed upon a member of the high school orchestra. Its presentation recognizes excellence in playing and contributions to the ensemble.
- The Director’s Award for Orchestra was presented to Virginia
- “Gini” Cooper. The Director’s Award for Orchestra is closely tied to the National School Orchestra Award. Its significance indicates a student who also makes valued contributions to the group and for excellence in playing.
- The Most Improved awards are presented to students who show remarkable growth throughout the school year. With dedication, hard work, and regular practice, these students were selected to acknowledge this remarkable progress.Recipients are: Most Improved Freshman, Alayna Riddell; Most Improved Sophomore, Maddie Klauer; Most Improved Junior, Jose Payano, and Most Improved Senior, Logan Prasch.
According to the release, as of March and April, cases of COVID-19 have been on a steady decline. It stated: “The School District of Fort Atkinson is so thankful for the community support and commitment to safety that has led to a climate in which students, staff and administrators alike can feel safe about participating in a concert.”
A virtual option also was made available for those who prefer to tune in from home. More than 100 guests, family, and friends of FAHS Orchestra Students were in attendance at this concert. The usual capacity of the FAHS theater tops 600. With distancing guidelines in place, the maximum capacity is reduced to approximately one-third of the original capacity, according to the release.
Throughout the past months, FAHS Theater Managing Director John Collins has worked with district staff and other health experts to develop a safety plan for events occurring in the theater. The plan includes typical measures such as face coverings and hand sanitizer. It also includes some unique tactics which are beginning to appear in the entertainment and live-event industry. A QR code is available at the door of each event in which a paper program would usually be handed out. By allowing patrons to scan the QR code, they can open an electronic copy of the would-be paper handout, thus reducing touchpoints. In addition, between each group of patrons in the theater, the seating section and other high-touch surfaces are disinfected.
For more information about Fort Atkinson High School Performing Arts, please contact boxoffice@fortschools.org or follow the group on Facebook.
Fort Atkinson High School Philharmonic Orchestra performs as orchestra teacher Bill Callaway conducts.
Students watch as a video presentation of student compositions is played for the audience.
Student Spencer Whitcomb, center, and other orchestra students watch as a soloist performs.
A duet, featuring Alayna Riddell, at left, and Abbey Michalak, performs “Hungarian Dance No. 5,” a Russian folk tune as arranged by Carrie Lane Gruselle.
Orchestra teacher Bill Callaway addresses the audience, speaking about educational components of a composition.
Above two: Philharmonic Orchestra students perform May 25.
High School senior Orchestra members include Olivia Granec, from left, Kalin Ahmad, Gini Cooper, Jade Bowker, orchestra teacher Bill Callaway, Alexis Jacobson, Bailey Behm, Paige Carncross and Logan Prasch.
A video of the full performance is found here.
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