The Sound of Spring Concert Music Lights up the Robert Frost Tonight

Four ensembles went to the festival – AVPA’s Chamber Singers and Jazz Ensemble as well as the Culver High Concert Choir and Concert Band.

The Chamber Singers and the Concert Choir both received the highest rating possible – “Superior,” a first for both these groups in the four years they’ve been attending the festival. The Concert Band and the Jazz Ensemble both received “Excellent” ratings. This was the Jazz Ensemble’s first year at the festival.

After the competition, the students enjoyed time at Disneyland where the awards ceremony was held.

Award Winners on Display

Each of the groups who performed at the Music in the Parks Festival will bring its award-winning pieces to the Spring Music Concert.

Here’s just a small sampling of what can be heard tonight at the concert.

The Chamber Singers will perform a 16th century English madrigal, a set of three Mozart nocturnes, and Lewis Carroll’s “Jabberwocky.”

Tonight’s Menu

The Concert Band will perform “Crescent Moon Floats in Blue-Pink Sky,” “Hymnsong Variations,” and “Simple Gifts” while the Concert Choir will sing “Be Joyful with Music,” “Rhythm of Life” and “I Remember.”

The Jazz Ensemble will include “It Don’t Mean a Thing,” and “How High the Moon.” The middle school choir will also perform “It Don’t Mean a Thing,” as well as “Don’t Get Around much anymore,” “Charlottown,” “Somewhere Out There,” and “I Only Want to be with You.”

Tony Spano, AVPA’s co-director and head of the Culver High music program, directs the Concert Choir, the Jazz Ensemble and the Concert Band.

With Compliments

“I’m very proud of the work the Jazz Ensemble has done this year,” Mr. Spano said. “Senior Mimi Markoe has been a great co-director of the group, helping it grow to be the biggest and best we’ve had at Culver High.”

Lisa Michel, AVPA’s Chamber Singers’ director, adds, “The Chamber Singers knew we were a ‘Superior’ group, and now we have the trophy to prove it! Actually, all the students did really well. Both Tony and I are very proud of them.”

For more information about the Academy, go to avpa.org or contact Tony Spano at 310.842.4200, ext. 6094 or Kristine Hatanaka at 310.842.4200, ext. 6001.