Music Department to take part in end of the year festivities

This year the FC music department, as a whole, has hosted and participated in a series of performances including ASCI, the musical Bye Bye Birdie and several Christmas productions.

As the end of the school year quickly approaches, some assume that the music department will slow its pace. On the contrary, the department plans on partaking in more events and showcasing the performer?s talents, dedication and passion for what they do.

Music Director Michael Ogdon recognizes that although the end of the year is approaching the music department will continue to work hard and participate in several more performances. He hopes that his students will continue to grow in their musical as well as spiritual aptitude as the year comes to a close.

“There?s still a lot to work for,” Ogdon said. “The music department is one of the only departments that is truly year-round. I fully expect we will each continue to improve our skills and musicianship as we concentrate on finishing well. We want to emulate the life of Jesus who was described as “growing in wisdom and stature and in favor with God and men.'”

In this last semester the department will be subject to interesting opportunities which were previously unavailable to them. One of these opportunities is “The Star Wars Wedding.”

An FC graduate formulated the creative idea of having a flash mob at his wedding. He has since called upon the help of the FC band and some Fresno State band members to make this unique surprise possible.

Besides this, FC has been invited along with five Christian southern California schools to the Disney Fine Arts Workshop, April 4. Here the FC choir along with those of the other five schools will have the opportunity to record at Disney backstage.

Percussion and Jazz band will also perform and be judged at Biola University, April 4. The music department participates in the Biola Band Festival every other year.

Freshmen Mathew Garza, ’17, a member of percussion and Jazz band, loves music and has loved it since he was very young. He believes that the pace is currently quickening and is excited about the upcoming performances. Garza enjoys learning something new every day and treasures every moment he can.
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“I most definitely like band,” Garza said. “I have loved music since I was very little. The best thing about coming to band everyday is improving. I know that the harder we practice the better we will get.”

In addition to all of this, the department has planned a few local endeavors as well. The Kings Men Quartet sang for First Presbyterian Church, a local church in the downtown area, Mar.30. The Adoration Ensemble is scheduled to do the same in several weeks. Due to the abundance of events scheduled for the next few weeks the students will need to utilize class time to prepare.

The instrumentalist section of the department will perform an end of the year concert for the FC community, May 5. A week after the choral department will give their end of the year performance.

According to sophomore choir student Ali Cowan the group has come to be like a family unit. Although she admits they can often get distracted, she believes that in the end they come together and perform well. She believes that Ogdon is a major source of encouragement and a driving force for them.

“Sometimes we get a little off track and need to work on our focus a little more,” Cowan said. “I?d say that it?s kind of like a big family. We can definitely all laugh together. Mr. Ogdon helps us a lot because he knows when to make jokes and when to be serious.”

Sophomore quartet member Joshua Carter enjoys the class?s relaxed atmosphere and admires the way he and his fellow singers accomplish their work.

“I enjoy practicing for the quartet,” Carter said.”The general feel of the class is relaxing. However when we need to get things done we always work hard.”

For more features, read the March 28 article, New location adds spark to annual event (VIDEO).

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