On April 30, Aragon’s orchestras and choirs, directed by David Martin, performed their annual spring concert, “The American Experience.” On May 2, Aragon’s concert band, symphonic band, and wind ensemble had their semester performance under the direction of Troy Davis.
Martin selected pieces reflective of the different musical groups. For example, the Women’s Choir sang a song about the women’s rights movement while the Men’s Choir sang American folk songs. Martin notes, “I really tried to take all the parts from American culture–the good, the bad, and the ugly.”
This theme captured both the hardships and patriotism in America’s history through a wide array of songs and ultimately ended with a combined string orchestra, band, and choir rendition of “Battle Hymn of the Republic.”
Sophomore Chamber Orchestra violinist Vivian Shen says, “I thought the concert was one of the best concerts I’ve ever been to. I believe this was because it was Martin’s last concert, so each group tried their hardest to make the performance the best one they’ve ever given.”
Senior Steven Callas from Men’s Choir notes, “The concert was special in that we prepared for it a substantial amount and had some heartfelt music. I actually didn’t realize it was Mr. Martin’s last concert, but once I did, I knew I had to sing to the best of my ability and make it memorable in the best way I can… I would describe [the concert] simply as the best good bye. It had its happy and sad emotions.”
Completing his 33rd year teaching music, Martin was finally able to perform a patriotic concert, something he has intensely aspired to do since Sept. 11, 2001. Martin explains, “I felt the country really needed to come together and that it was important to be able to play American music to invoke some national pride… The Civil War was a terrible time, and “Battle Hymn of Republic” was a wonderful piece.”
He adds, “Composers like Aaron Copland really defined the ‘American music’ and cheered people up when they were depressed about war and poverty. He was instructed to write music that was uplifting and that people could relate to and [that evoked] a sense of pride. Randall Thompson is another composer like that.”
Songs on the program featured selections such as “North Star to Freedom,” which captured the hardships of slavery and the road to freedom. The timeless classic, “Battle Hymn of Republic” gathered the Serra and Aragon choirs, band, and chamber orchestra together to showcase a spectacular finale. Included in the program were songs like the popular “Anvil Chorus” by Giuseppe Verdi, which featured a European influence.
Junior Andrew Grant of Men’s Choir says, “The Serra choir was cool, and we performed how we practiced—enthusiastically.”
“Battle Hymn of Republic was definitely one of my favorite songs of all time. I really liked how we played with both the band and the choir, which really created a full sound and orchestra experience for the audience and us,” adds senior Chamber Orchestra violinist Alvin Ho.
Freshman String Orchestra cellist Kristan Hilby says, “It was a little bittersweet because while one of my mentors was leaving, I know that he’s closing one door to open a bunch more.”
At the conclusion of the concert, Davis showed a surprise Power Point presentation dedicated to Martin. Senior Connie Ngirchemat from the Women’s Choir comments, “I personally wasn’t expecting all these emotions, I was kind of crying… But out of all my years in choir, this concert was the most emotional and memorable.”
Looking to the Aragon music department, Davis notes that the music department has more than doubled in size by offering more courses and “increas[ing] the depth and sensitivity of our connection to the art of music-making.”
Martin agrees, “Before, there was a larger emphasis on band. And I really wanted to create an identity for singers and string players, so all of the groups would feel comfortable and confident in playing in public.”
As a part of Aragon’s music program, an end of semeseter concert is held twice each year—one in the winter and the other in the spring. Martin states, “I think concerts are a way for the general public to really hear what their sons and daughters have accomplished and really to showcase the wonderful talent we have here. Just for ourselves, we have concerts because we are proud of our accomplishments, and music is meant to be learned.”
