Elementary School Student Musicians from Across Dublin Ring in the Holiday Season

Thanksgiving has now passed and the Diwali celebration has concluded. As Hanukkah has commenced we are now steamrolling towards the Christmas celebration. If there could be any doubt – visit any local retailer or restaurant and one will hear traditional holiday tunes in the air. On that note, the musical traditions within the Dublin Unified School District (DUSD) kicked off on Monday with the fifth grade Advanced Band and Five-Star Recorder Ensemble Winter Concert at Dublin Elementary School. The winter concert performers were almost exclusively Fifth Grade musicians from all six elementary schools in the District. Students from Dougherty, Dublin, Frederiksen, Green, Kolb and Murray Elementary schools provided the packed multi-purpose room with a robust program.

The performance began with traditional numbers “Jolly Old St. Nicholas” and “Ode to Joy”. The fifth grade Advanced Band instrumental highlights later performed pieces featuring flutes, clarinets, trumpets and trombones. The Five-Star Recorder Ensemble treated the audience to their rendition of “Merrily We Roll Along”. The evening climaxed with all-company performances of “Conquest”, “Anasazi” and “Jingle Bells March”. In sum, nearly 180 musicians from across the District contributed to a memorable evening. In many ways, it was equally meaningful to have families from across the entire City of Dublin under one roof.

In late September, OneDublin.org had the opportunity to visit with Chris Immesoete. Chris is the Instrumental Music Teacher for all six of Dublin’s elementary school sites. At the conclusion of the evening’s performance, we wanted to gain her insights and feedback.

OneDublin.org: Was this program purely confined to Fifth grade students/musicians?

Chris Immesoete: “Largely, yes. However, we had some Fourth Grade flutes that enabled them to participate. Further, we had three 4th grade trombone players that were so motivated that they flew through each assignment and met every challenge that I gave them.”

OneDublin.org: Why did you elect to hold the concert at Dublin Elementary School?

Immesoete: “The stage in their multi-purpose room is very large and deep. Our orchestra group was fairly large and this is a stage-venue that could really accommodate our entire group.”

OneDublin.org: Winter concerts are occurring throughout the District. Why was it important for you to assemble all six elementary sites for a singular performance?

Immesote: “I’ll admit it, it is personal. They are all my students, they all have things in common with each other and I really want them to by performing together. Often, they have played on the same sports team or have sung in the same chorus or church. They just love having the chance to perform together.”

OneDublin.org salutes Chris Immesoete and all staff members associated with the Creative Arts for enhancing their overall educational experience. We must now contemplate a different reaction upon hearing “Jingle Bells” and to think about our own students while strolling through the aisles of Target.

Upcoming Winter Concert Performances:

• Fallon Middle School: Wednesday, December 12 @ 7:00PM.
• Dublin High School: Monday, December 17 @ 7:00PM.
• Wells Middle School: Thursday, December 20 @ 7:30PM.

Related Articles:

• Dublin’s Elementary Band Program Prospers and Develops Future Musicians
• The Value of Music Education from Elementary School to College and Beyond
• Dublin High School’s Jazzin’ for a Cure Raises $3,000 for Cancer Research