High school ensembles join in year's first performance

MILFORD — The Delaware Valley High School Music Department started the academic year with a bang.
The tenth annual benefit concert for the school's scholarship fund featured performances from all high school ensembles. Four pieces from the DVHS Jazz Band, led by their new musical director, Mr. Joseph Borell, started things off. Selections included "Soul Man" by Isaac Hayes and David Porter, and an arrangement of Stephen Sondheim’s "Send in the Clowns."
This was followed by a performance from the DVHS Orchestra, conducted by Mr. Nathan Kroptavich, who stepped into the role of orchestra director following the recent retirement of Mr. David Swinehart. The orchestral repertoire featured pieces by Borodin and contemporary American composer Soon Hee Newbold, as well as an arrangement of the Enya song "Only Time."
Following the intermission, the DVHS Concert Choir, directed Mr. Richard Horst, presented a diverse program ranging from the Zimbabwean greeting song "Sorida" to an arrangement of Dolly Parton’s "Light of a Clear Blue Morning." Also featured in an ensemble performance were members of the DVHS Glee Club.
Last to perform was the DVHS Concert Band, led by band director Mr. Rick Bullock. Selections included an evocative rendition of Eric Whitacre’s "Sleep," featuring members of the 11th and 12th Grade Chorus. The finale was a superb combined ensemble performance of "America, the Beautiful" by Samuel Ward.
The proceeds, totaling almost $2,400, will be deposited in the Music Department Scholarship Fund for this year’s graduating seniors. Donations to the fund, which supports Delaware Valley's musicians, may be made by contacting the treasurer of the Music Department Booster Club, Elizabeth Lukan, by e-mail at dvmusicboosterclub@gmail.com.
The DVHS Marching Band, a relatively new addition to the district's list of ensembles, are playing at all of DV's home and away games for the season.
The next auditorium performances at the elementary, middle, and high school levels will be held in mid-December.