Gates Musicians Showcase their Talents

On Thursday, October 27th, the Gates 7th and 8th grade band presented their first recital concert of the year. Gates students, under the direction of Mr. Greg Lessard, performed a wide variety of repertoire to music families, friends and members of the community. One of the goals of recital concerts is to highlight students in small group ensembles and to empower each group to work together to select, rehearse, and then perform a piece of music. Gates band students also have the opportunity to work on their leadership skills by being selected to conduct the band. Pictured here is grade 8 student Micah Mulder conducting the band and working on the skills of maintaining a steady conducting pattern and reading from a musical score. All band students are working on the concepts of balance, blend and intonation - all of which lead to an exemplary ensemble sound.