String fling and band bash bring Borel groups to campus

Aragon’s annual String Fling occurred on the evening of Tuesday, March 22, while the Band Bash occurred the following night on Wednesday, March 23, in the large gym. This year, Borel Middle School musicians were Aragon’s special guests as they participated in both musical events.

These two traditions went hand in hand as they introduced young, middle school music students from around the area to developed, high school music programs. Aragon band teacher/director Troy Davis says, “We just do it to inspire younger kids and give them an opportunity to see what it’s like to play in high school.” In past years, the event also involved the participation of elementary school music students in the surrounding communities.

On the night of the String Fling, choir and orchestra teacher, David Martin had the high school’s Chamber Orchestra perform three fantastic numbers including: the Boisterous Bourree and Morning Song Op. 15.

Also, part of the evening program included by Borel’s 6th Grade Beginning Orchestra, led by Borel music director, Helene Grotans, playing Cho Cho Dances and Goondiwindi: An Australian Shearer’s Song. The hour of entertainment ended with each school playing familiar pop hits like Viva La Vida and the Lady Gaga Hit Mix, including parts of Poker Face, Bad Romance and Just Dance.

The Aragon bands followed the string orchestra performances with the Band Bash the next night. The Borel 6th Grade Beginning Band was a repeating participant along with new faces in the Borel Concert and Symphonic Bands. The middle school musicians performed pieces including Achievement, Aztec, The Simpsons and Calypso Kid. The Band Bash was also the first opportunity the Borel Concert Band had to play their first combined number together with their school’s Symphonic Band; the duo played Sword of Kings. Sprinkled throughout the program were dramatic pieces by the Aragon Wind Ensemble, as they played Maachu Picchu and Pirates of the Caribbean Symphonic Suite.

The Aragon bands will also be participating in both their upcoming annual semester Spring Band performance and the C.M.E.A. band concert.