Concert showcases magic of music

The importance of music in the Clovis Municipal Schools is no surprise to most. As a school district we have long enjoyed a tradition of excellence in both vocal as well as instrumental programs. It is no longer surprising when we read or hear about our bands and choirs returning from performances and competitions, triumphant in victories, trophies in hand. In fact, it's more of a challenge to keep up with listing the wins of our students, whether for vocal accomplishments, or bands bringing home first places.

We've long enjoyed strong leadership in our music department, individuals who've always believed in the importance of providing certified music educators in all grades, from elementary through secondary. It shows. What may not be immediately evident is the full impact this has on our families.

I recently took advantage of an opportunity to visit with one of our parents, Veronica Apodaca, mother of six, elementary through college age, who also works in our Federal Programs department. Apodaca's children, who are all attending, or products of, the Clovis Schools, have all taken advantage of the musical offerings in the district.

Recently, the inaugural Elementary Honor Choir Concert was held at Marshall Auditorium. With a packed house, the performance showcased the Elementary Honor Choir, with members from all of our elementary schools. Several specialty performances featured smaller groups of students with percussion pieces or accompanied special light effects.

Apodaca's fifth-grader from Cameo, Neriah Medina, performed that night.

“It was one of the best performances I've ever seen,” Apodaca shared. “It literally game me chills. It was a special night for our family because all of my family is involved in music.” (Elijah and Rosa Medina are in the Marshall Honor Choir, too). “It's something the kids can be involved with, something they really enjoy. When you see their faces just glowing during a performance, you see how important it is to them to bring pleasure to the audience. I always sing in the shower, and now I always hear my kids singing in the shower, too.”

The “chills” Apodaca described were especially apparent during the culminating song, “Somebody to Love.” Soloists from the Chamber Choir stepped up, in turn, to the microphone in the darkened theater. Gradually the lights came up on the elementary choirs, whose voices swelled together in matching harmonies to fill the room.

Magical musical moments.

Cindy Kleyn-Kennedy is the instructional technology coordinator for the Clovis Municipal Schools. She can be reached at: [email protected]