MITCHELL, SD (Mitchell Now) — The Mitchell School District brought together nearly 300 student musicians Monday night for its District 5–12 Band Concert, held at the Worlds Only Corn Palace.
The concert featured performances from students in grades 5 through 12, highlighting the progression of musical development across the district. Directors Joel Van Peursem, Ryan Stahle, Kim Bruguier, Hannah Wehlander and Mary Krell directed the event.
Each grade level performed selected pieces: fifth grade opened with “Up the Mountain Road” by Moriah Margaret Jensen. Sixth grade followed with “Noise in the Basement” by Brad Ciechomski and “Oompa Loompa,” arranged by Chris M. Bernotas. Seventh grade performed “In a New York Jam” by Lon McLearn and “Hocus Pocus” by Rob Romeyn, while eighth grade presented “Cloud Dancing” by Richard Saucedo.
High school ensembles continued the program, with ninth- and 10th-grade students performing “Awakening Hills” by Richard Saucedo. The 11th- and 12th-grade band followed with “Sailing With Whales” by Rossano Galante.
The concert concluded with a combined performance featuring all grade levels, performing “Shorewood Overture” by Michael Sweeney.
The all-district band concert marked the first time Mitchell Schools organized a unified band performance spanning all grade levels, offering both students and families a unique opportunity to experience the full scope of the district’s music program in one evening.
Last night’s progressive band concert at the Corn Palace featured 5th-grade through 12th-grade musicians | Image Source: Mitchell Now’s Stacy Giblin