Music is Alive in the Kingdom

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Created on Friday, 14 December 2012 01:56

Written by Jessica Walsh

LYNDON - Music programs around the country are having a hard time staying alive due to lack of funds. Educators have fought to keep not only music, but also the arts, in our countries school systems.

Here in the Northeast Kingdom however, the sounds of trumpets, trombones and saxophones can be heard loud and clear. The Lyndon Town School's music program is flourishing, with a band, multiple choirs and even a guitar class. All of these groups came together to rehearse and prepare for a holiday concert that they look forward to all year.

After month's of practicing, the band works out the final kinks the day of the concert. During the school day, each group goes to the gymnasium to transform the area into a "Rock and Roll" venue. Chairs are placed in neat rows, microphones are set up and an audio board is placed on a table to test the final sound of the band. No matter what the age, the students work side by side to deliver the best concert possible. Each student agrees that they don't know what they do without band and that it is their favorite part of the day. "Oh yes, by far," said Jack Luna, the keyboard player, as he nodded in agreement.

One of the keys of learning music in school is carry it with you throughout life, and that's what one student plans to do." Yeah I want to play in high school, but I'm not sure what I'll do after that," laughs Logan Wales, who plays the trombone. The concert is a mix of music for everyone from holiday tunes like "Winter Wonderland" to a popular hit like "Y.M.C.A". Family, friends, peers and faculty all come out to support this music program every year to encourage these young people to stick with it. The best part of the concert for Luna is coming together as a band. "I like when I'm on stage and it's not just me, it's all of us together," says Luna. For the students, playing together is really what it's all about.