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Health & Fitness

Clair Groenewold Participates in Chapman Honor Band Concert

Clair Groenewold, an 8th grader from OPMS, is one of the few Middle School students who attended the Southern California Honor Band Festival sponsored by the Chapman University on Feb 25, 2012.

Clair Groenewold is one of the few Middle School students who were selected to attend the prestigious Southern California Honor Band Festival on February 25, 2012. This event is sponsored by the Chapman University Conservatory of Music and led by Dr. Paul Sherman, Conductor of the Chapman University Wind Symphony. Every winter, 100 Middle and High School students from Southern California get the opportunity to attend a “rewarding and intensive day of music-making for all”. It is finished with a concert in the evening. This year the concert music included Giacchino, Star Trek, Nelson, Homage to Leonin, and Ticheli, Wild Nights. These are very advanced music pieces for even high school students.

Clair is the daughter of Gerrit and Nanda Groenewold. She loved the sound of flute as a child, and started her flute playing since the 4th grade. Now, an 8th grader at Olive Peirce Middle School (OPMS), she is a member of the school concert band and the jazz band. Her passion for music is evident in the amount of time she practices, three hours a day on an average. In addition to the daily school band practices, she plays the classical music she likes at home, by taking advantage of the modern music software. She has also played flute as a soloist or in a group at Escondido Orthodox Presbyterian Church. It was a dream-come-true for Clair to attend the amazing event at Chapman University, and play with top student players under the direction of Southern California’s pre-eminent wind and brass faculty.

On February 25, the event started at 9am with welcome breakfast, followed by 1.25 hours of sectionals practice, campus tour, the Chamber music performed by Chapman Conservatory faculty, two 1.5 hour orchestra rehearsals, and ended with the honor band concert at 7pm. During practice, Clair learned better finger techniques for fast movement, and articulation of the music with the group. It was exciting and rewarding.

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This special day, started at 7am with Mom driving Clair to Chapman University, has become a long and memorable day. It increases her confidence as a flute player, and it also reinforces her idea of pursuing a music major in college and playing in an orchestra for the future. The thought of a music career has crossed her mind in the past, but now it is a possible path forward, not just a wishful thinking.

The Chapman Honor Band candidates are nominated by their band teachers. The final selection is by the university. Clair Groenewold was nominated by Mr. Karl Lampe, OPMS Band Director, who recognized Clair’s talent and enthusiasm in music.

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