By: Chris Fischer

Redfield Middle School and High School Bands and Choir performed their show “December Nights” on the 12th.
The wait to go on stage has been known to be an anxious time.
The 6th grade players were especially susceptible. Not only were they new to band, they also opened the show.
Dylan Unruh, band teacher, said “I tell them ‘Everyone in the audience wants you to win. Everyone is rooting for you.’”
Unruh also said that audience members may be reminded of when they played the same instrument.
The 6th grade band played “Jingle Bells,” complete with bells, “Jolly Old St. Nicholas,” and “A Children’s Christmas Carol, ” which was a longer song of 50 measures.
During the show, Unruh said “For 6th graders, it’s exciting. They are learning to analyze, to add things. Kids have ideas about music.”
“They teach me too.” he added.
The middle school/high school choir performed “Frozen,” which choir teacher Tabitha Unruh called their “hardest” song because “it had no actual words.” Next was “ A Candle’s Light, then Rock a Baby, which played with rhythm. The last song, “December Nights, December Lights,” included flautist Kalli Spotanske.
The middle and high school choirs were combined. This year’s choir consisted of students in 6th through 10th grades.
Both teachers purposefully chose a variety of songs.
“For the 6th graders, we stick to the classics. For 7th and 8th graders, we introduce new things, like storytelling.” Dylan Unruh said.
The 7th-8th grade band’s first song featured Principal Kendra Becker narrating as a grumpy elf. “Diary of a Grumpy Elf includes stops and starts.
“The Angels Mix” had lots of percussion, and more of a rock sound. “It had notes and rhythms they’d never seen before.” Dylan Unruh said.

“We have to balance between songs that are playful and ones that stretch. Stretching always hurts at first, but it’s worth it.” he continued.
“A Festive Finale” was the 7th and 8th graders’ last song. It was… festive.
Dylan Unruh mentioned that the high school band is also the pep band, the marching band, the “voice of the school.”
The high school band started with “Let the Holidays Begin.” Next was the classic “Sleigh Ride,” which the audience seemed to especially enjoy. It included bells and clops.
Mariah Carey’s “All I Want for Christmas is You” had people dancing in their seats. “Celebrate the Season” was a proper finale, including fanfare.
From 6th grade through high school, the band songs got more complicated.
The audience was pleased. The students had obviously worked hard, which paid off. The students gave hearty effort all around.
Band director Dylan Unruh said “We had some great moments. The pieces we did were not easy.”
When asked what he would say to a student who was struggling in band, Dylan Unruh said “We have what’s called ‘musical literacy.’ That is the ability to look at a piece of music and figure out the notes and rhythm.”
“There’s been some lapse.” he added. “We’re not always developing that muscle.”
Dylan Unruh said that practicing (at home) is a “Lie-detector test,” and he encourages his students to bring their work home.
Only two upperclassmen were part of the band. One reason for this was scheduling conflicts with other classes. “But the ones who stick with it never regret it.” Dylan Unruh said.
Senior Deven Fliehe was 5th in state last year, and Unruh expressed hope that Fliehe would place higher this academic year.
He was optimistic about the future. “Everything numbers-wise is going up.”
“We are trying to rebuild some. The students are doing their best.” Dylan Unruh said.
Why is music (in schools) important?
“Music is everywhere. The exposure to not only learning music but also to concert etiquette and the discipline of playing an instrument and singing takes a good amount of skill. We’re not just singing – we are building up into citizens, decent humans.” Tabitha Unruh said.
Etiquette includes things like paying attention, being respectful, practicing at home, and not being disruptive when others are playing.
Band students were expected to watch the video of their performance in the next class. “ When you are in a group, you can be focused on the music and on your notes. When you watch the video, you are taken from the first person perspective to the audience’s perspective.” Dylan Unruh said.
“Performing is an obstacle you can’t avoid. You can approach it and rise to the challenge, or fall. There is no way around it.” he said.
“You make mistakes, you fix them, and you move on.” he said.
“Performing helps to build decent humans. When you have a job, you perform in front of people.” Tabitha Unruh said.
The Unruhs both were in music when they were in school, so they know what it’s like.
What about people who say “I’m not musical?”
Tabitha Unruh said “Everyone has an aptitude. In some people, it’s higher. They have the ability to perform. If you can’t perform, you can still appreciate.”
Dylan Unruh said “We could find a place for just about anyone. How about cymbals?”
He added “Support is just as important. You need an audience.”
The Unruhs said that they work on musical projects outside of school. Dylan Unruh said he is comfortable “jumping in” or being a soloist, for a variety of instruments.
Tabitha Unruh stated a preference for being more “behind-the-scenes.” Dylan Unruh was insisted that she was an amazing pianist.
“We have different strengths -” He said.
“But I have the best accompanist ever.”