NHS spring concerts May 17 & 18

Music is in the air, and May is a busy and exciting month at Niwot High School. While students look forward to summer vacation, they must get through finals, choose courses for the next school year, and complete their projects and assignments. And several young men and women are busy practicing for their last concerts this year on May 17 and 18 at 6 p.m.

Niwot High School has a rich and impressive music program led by devoted music directors.

Robert (Wade) Hendricks directs Marching Band, Jazz Band, and Symphonic Band, and

Yinfeng Keynes Chen is the Orchestra Director.

Chen has been the Orchestra Director at Niwot High School since January 2019. He is also an

accomplished violinist, Concertmaster of the Boulder Symphony, and Music Director of the

Longmont Youth Symphony. Chen loves working with NHS students because, as he explains, "They drive me crazy a bit, but they are good kids and great musicians. They get classical music, they know how to play music, and not just the notes."

During the concert on May 17, the audience will have a chance to enjoy the Mariachi Ensemble, the Symphonic String Orchestra, the Concert Orchestra, and the full Symphony. The program has something for everyone - pop, folk, jazz, classical music, and some American tunes. Chen is especially excited about the tango piece and "Romeo and Juliet: Suite No. 2" by Prokofiev.

Hendricks has been with Niwot High School for ten years. He said he "loves working with students for four years and watching them grow from shy teens to mature almost-adults and providing opportunities for them to share their knowledge and passion."

Hendricks' knowledge of music and care about young musicians shows in the music pieces he thoughtfully chooses for each performance. He wants students to feel challenged without being overwhelmed.

This year, on May 18, Hendricks, together with guest conductor and student teacher

Kyle Thomas, will conduct a Crossroads Concert, celebrating seniors who are at a major

crossroads in their lives, leaving behind much of what they have become familiar and

venturing out into the world.

The concert will feature the Niwot High School Jazz Band, Advanced Jazz Band, Percussion Ensemble, and Symphonic Band. Music will include "We Don't Talk About Bruno" from Encanto, "Gusty Garden Galaxy" from Super Mario Galaxy, and "Cop Drama" by Jim Casella. The Symphonic Band will perform a world premiere composition written by local composer Gus Brockmann specifically for the NHS Symphonic Band.

Playing music requires talent, commitment, and a ton of work. Every year, NHS students proudly represent Niwot in District and Combined League Honor Bands, District and Combined League Honor Orchestra, CU Honor Band, and All-State Honor Bands. In addition, this year, the NHS Symphony was a part of the CHSAA Northern Colorado Music Festival and received the highest score in every music category.

Music can make the world a better place,so why not start in Niwot on May 17 and 18, at 6 p.m. in the Niwot High School Auditorium?