We have all heard “Those who can, do; those who cannot, teach. But if you attended the performances on Sunday, March 6 at the Ponca City Concert Hall, you’ll know that many musicians right here in our community can do both!
Principals, former principals and alumni of Ponca City High School gave outstanding performances during a wonderful afternoon of music. The Ponca City Chamber Ensemble has been featured in a variety of old and new music. Paula Cochran, Director of PoHi Orchestras and District Instrumental Music Coordinator, brought together members Jaryd Hinch, Jenna Wynes, Katie Rolf, Dan Larson, Cassidy Broome and Ella Gordan for the Ponca City Federated Music Club March Concert. Originally intended as a featured concert for its 100th anniversary in 2021, COVID concerns made a postponement necessary. But the quality of the professionalism and the versatility of the programming made this concert well worth the wait!
The Chamber Ensemble opened with the dramatic Overture to “The Rival Sisters” by Henry Purcell, followed by The Idylls of Pegasus by Richard Meyer (my favorite). The surprise ending to Joseph Haydn’s Farewell Symphony drew enthusiastic applause from the audience. Music from the films “Pride and Prejudice” and “Titanic” and the De Beers
The “A Diamond is Forever” commercial intercut with music by master composers Gustav Holst and Gioacchino Rossini provided the right mix for an entertaining programme.
Dineo Heilmann, former Director of the Ponca City Public School Orchestras, and Andrew Orr, Percussion Coordinator and Assistant Orchestra Director, also contributed to this excellent program. Mr. Heilmann performed the Larghetto movement of Mozart’s Clarinet Quintet in A. His excellent performance with the String Ensemble was enhanced by the well-designed acoustics of the performance hall. Andrew Orr wowed the audience by playing the Prelude from S. Bach’s Cello Suite No. 1 on the marimba with four mallets – two in each hand.
Ponca City is fortunate to have such talented teachers and musicians in our community.
What a pleasure to see students and their parents in the audience supporting their music teachers. Members and citizens of the Ponca City Federated Music Club provided a large crowd of support. The PCFMC will continue to provide performances, music education activities and scholarships valid for the next 100 years!
Music is the international language. Maybe that’s what the world needs now – more music and more people making it because music creates memories. Thank you for remembering this exceptional concert!
