Surrounding lights dimmed and focused on the stage as the students of Cannon Falls readied their instruments and their voices. On October 24th, 2013, Cannon Falls High School hosted a band and choir concert in the auditorium. Directors Mr. Legvold, Mr. Bryan, and Mrs. Franke described the concert as superb, excellent, and fabulous. Sixth through twelfth grade performed; the concert included seven different acts in about three hours.

The high school concert choir proudly opened the concert with five soothing songs, followed by the ninth grade choir, with several pieces in mixed languages. Rocking the house, the sixth, seventh, and eighth grade choirs performed adorable fun-filled tunes, which showed on their faces. Soloists for choir were Kellie Lawless, Aria Tennessen, Jordan Dolan, and Caden Bell.

Once the stage switched over to band, Mr. Bryan started off with a joke encouraging the audience to turn their cell phones off: if the parents caught the kids on their phones, they’d be grounded until senior prom; if the kids caught the parents, a trip to Disneyworld would be scheduled for this weekend. Dramatic, catchy tunes echoed through the audience when the sixth grade band kicked off the band performances. Next up was the middle school grade band, who made a name for themselves by playing a set of lively pieces. Becca Benson filled in for Luke Newinksi on the bass clarinet. The high school band provided a compelling finale. Magdalena Heynicke, a foreign exchange student, played violin for the group.

As the lights switched on, the students relaxed their vocal chords, lowered their instruments, and grinned in triumph. Overall, the band and choir concert was a success; each performance was obviously practiced.  As Mrs. Franke put it, “They all sold their songs.” Now, it’s back to practice until the next concerts: December 9th for the high school band members, December 10th for middle school band members, and December 16th for the choir members.