March 7 marked the annual In Concert performance, a San Mateo Union High School District wide music program in association with the Foundation for the Fine and Performing Arts. Students from throughout the district audition for either choir, jazz ensemble, orchestra, or symphonic band, and then practice and perform with guest conductors.
In Concert also requires help from the music directors at each high school. “Each director prepares the students and helps them learn their music,” says Choir and Orchestra teacher John Chen. “[And] each of the directors have a personal connection with the guest conductors.
For example, Dr. Dorsey Mitchell Butler III, guest conductor for the In Concert jazz ensemble, was recommended to In Concert by Troy Davis, the Director of Bands and Jazz at Aragon.
“I’d met him at a jazz festival before; he ran a clinic for my jazz ensemble,” says Davis. “And I was like ‘Wow, this guy’s really great — I would love to have him come do In Concert.’ And so we’ve been in touch since.”
The guest directors are chosen collaboratively by the nine music directors in the district. “We try to get people affiliated with universities and colleges so that there’s some potential for students to make connections, and then they’re able to share what they offer at their music program at their respective colleges,” says Davis.
“It was interesting [working with a guest director] because I’ve gotten used to Davis as a conductor and teacher, so hearing another professional’s point of view and input was helpful,” says oboe player and junior Jessica Yeh.
The guest directors are paid by the Foundation for the Fine and Performing Arts, a non-profit organization that supports arts education in the SMUHSD and is supported by the high schools’ music boosters and other donors.
According to Davis, In Concert could be undergoing changes from its current form. “Support in our organization is not what it used to be, but I think they’re trying to tie things more into Common Core,” he says. “I’m not exactly sure what that means, probably they’re going to revamp it but keep some things. I don’t think it’s going to be over, I just don’t think it’s going to be the same format.”
Another reason change could be made is debate over whether In Concert should be exclusive, requiring auditions, or inclusive, and allow anyone who wants to participate. “We try to meet that happy medium, because some people want one way, some people want another way,” states Davis. For example, the jazz ensemble is all audition while the choir allows anyone who is recommended to join. “But even then there’s probably only 15 to 20 percent of music students involved in the group, and they’re looking at something that would involve more students, or everybody.”
If the In Concert program were to end, Davis states that the music directors of the district would try to reestablish it or start a new program. As is, the In Concert program gives students a chance to meet other students in the district who are passionate about the arts.
“It’s nice to see who the good musicians in the district are,” says bass clarinet player and sophomore Henry McNamara.
Yeh adds, “It’s a great opportunity to be in a different band with members that are all really committed to music. And it’s always nice to meet new people.”
The In Concert program also gives students who participate in an art other than music to showcase their talents. For example, artwork from students throughout the district was displayed in the lobby during the performance, and the program, t-shirt, and flyer were designed by students. Davis says, “It’s kind of a collective effort through the art students, not just the music students, throughout the district to come together for this event. We try to incorporate as many different disciplines as possible.”
