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Highlands Today

SHS Students Join Adults In Christmas Concert

Bill Rettew Jr./Highlands Today

All ages came together as flute players, From Left: Margaret Tolosa, Courtney Cook and Bethann Secore, prepare for a holiday music show at South Florida Community College.

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By Bill Rettew Jr. | Highlands Today

Published: December 7, 2007

SEBRING — For 66-year-old Mark Manley, Monday night was the first time since 1960 – when he graduated – that the bass drummer stepped foot into a high school.

Manley was preparing for a joint Christmas concert with about 40 members of the Highlands County Concert Band and 40 Sebring High School musicians.

"The students enjoy music and performing – it's their spirit and enthusiasm for music," said Manley. "They want to show what they can do."

It was difficult to hear the voice of concert band director Vic Anderson between tunes, during what he said was a "chaotic scene," but when the instruments were raised, the high school band room turned into a winter wonderland.

"The kids are better behaved than the adults," said Anderson. "The adults act like junior high kids. The adults are all talking and the children are all listening."

Anderson said the performance by students exceeded his expectations, especially since many were sight reading and had not seen the music until Monday's first rehearsal.

Blue Streak senior Bethann Secore played "Rudolph the Red Nosed Reindeer" and other holiday classics on the flute.

"It's an honor to be playing next to people who have been playing for such a long time with great skill," said Secore.

High school band director Colorado Paniagua agreed. The students learned tone and technique from older community members who acted as mentors.

"They're sitting next to people who have been playing longer than these kids have been alive," said Paniagua.

Senior flute player Courtney Cook enjoyed sitting next to Margaret Tolsa, who said she was also a "senior."

"Just to meet the older, more experienced people," said Cook. "It's different. We learn more."

Adult musician Dale Clayton voiced the thoughts of many.

"Wish they would join us all of the time."

The students will continue to rehearse during class time, with one more joint practice scheduled prior to the 10-carol concert on Friday Dec. 10, at South Florida Community College.

The doors open at 6:30 p.m., and at 6:45 p.m. a pre-concert Bass Ensemble will greet those upon arriving. The main concert starts at 7:30 p.m.

The concert will be held in the college's main auditorium, with tickets available at the door for $6 for adults and $3 for children.

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