LINGLE — Families, friends and community members filled the Lingle/Fort Laramie High School (LFL) gym Tuesday evening for the annual fall concert, directed by Erin Jespersen with Joyce Trowbridge accompanying. From the first note to the final applause, the night showcased the dedication, skill, and spirit of the school’s young musicians and featured performance by the sixth grade choir, seventh and eighth grade band, seventh and eighth grade choir, high school band, and high School Choir.
The concert opened with the sixth grade choir, whose enthusiasm and bright harmonies set a joyful tone for the evening. Their selections included “Anything You Can Do” by Anita Kerr, “I Will Sing My Song” arranged by George L.O. Strid, “Across the Sky” by Bret Stratton and Vicki Tucker Courtney, and “Haida” arranged by Henry Leck. Choir members included Keyan Amsch, Axel Baldwin, Anna Boyer, Lucas Boyer, Bentley Cooley, Gracelynn Grider-Drake, Bristol Hoffmann, Maricela Kirby, William Loveland, Klarity Morgan, Novalee Reichert, Landon Smith, Paige Staiger, Arianna Steely, Ruby Wheeler and Daryn Wunder.
The seveth and eighth grade band followed, impressing the audience with “The Legend of Castle Armagh” by Paul Murtha and “Above and Beyond” by James Swearingen. Performing with confidence and maturity beyond their years, the ensemble included Makenzie Anderson, Aurora Smallman, Lydia Speckner, Suhini Kinberg, Jossie Henderson, Will Reichert, Nolan Sandlian, Gus Henderson, Guy Estes, Riley Fritzler, Brinkley Hoffmann, Terryn Tanner and Rose Wilson.
Next, the seventh and eighth grade choir brought variety and charm to the stage with a dynamic set which featured “Siyahamba” arranged by Donald Moore, “Old Joe Clark” arranged by Neil A. Johnson, “The Journey” by Joseph M. Martin, and “Double, Double, Toil and Trouble” by Leeann (Ashby) Starkey. Their blend of global rhythms and playful melodies captured the audience’s attention and highlighted the growing strength of LFL’s middle school vocalists.
The High School Band filled the gym with cinematic energy in their performance of “Also Sprach Zarathustra” arranged by Ivo Kouwenhoven, “Wild Blue” by Tyler S. Grant, and “Crusade” by Vince Gassi. With commanding brass and powerful percussion, the group showcased a bold, unified sound. Band members included Will Chochran, McKynsie Samson, Jonah Rhorer, Ariana Posten, Hayden Smith, Jordin Eutsler, Kiera Fleenor, Matt Cook, Cate Kinberg, Dutch Ogburn and Carson Mason.
Closing the evening, the high school choir delivered a moving and polished performance. Their set featured “I’ve Got Joy” by Otto and Jayna Gross and Abigail Flowers which included a solo by Anna Frederick. The group also performed “Autumn Gives Her Hand to Winter” by Keith Loftis, “Keep Your Lamps!” by Victor C. Johnson, and “Beyond the Sea” arranged by Audrey Snyder. Choir members included sopranos Anna Frederick, Cate Kinberg, Zoe Baldwin, Taylor Betcher, Gloria Cummings, and Jenica Steely; altos Emma Erskine, Jazlyn Lira, Jaylynn Grant, Isabella Payne, Tatum Reichert, and Cassie Trowbridge; and baritones Joseph Cummings and Chance Hughes.
Though students are only one quarter into the school year, the LFL Fall Concert was a testament to their hard work and collaboration. It not only reflected the dedication required to prepare such an ambitious program in a short time but also offered a promising glimpse of the exciting performances yet to come from the LFL music program.
