With shaking hands and a racing heart, the musician enters the stage. The blinding spotlights make the audience no more than a silent shadow. With a deep breath and a glance at the conductor, the soloist begins to play, and beautiful music fills the room.  

On March 2, Bingham High School’s annual Concerto Night celebrated brave musicians’ hard work and musical expertise as they played classical concertos. A concerto is a piece of music composed for a soloist with an orchestra accompaniment. This year, these eleven soloists dedicated months of practice for this outstanding performance: 

Morgan Nelson played DeBeriot’s 9th Violin Concerto, 

Thea Spigarelli played Tartini’s Cello Concerto in D,

Julia McHenry played Stamitz’ Clarinet Concerto No. 3 (1st Movement), 

Amme Swasey played Stamitz’ Clarinet Concerto No. 3 (3rd Movement), 

Abby Sorensen played Mendelssohn’s Piano Concerto (3rd Movement), 

William Tegtmeier played Rachmaninoff’s Piano Concerto No. 3, (1st Movement), 

Brynndi Troff played Sarasate’s Zigeunerweisen Violin Concerto,

Paige Nelson played Beethoven’s Violin Romance No. 2, 

Ben Blodgett played David’s Euphonium/Trombone Concerto (1st Movement), 

Lance Tran played David’s Euphonium/Trombone Concerto (2nd & 3rd Movements), and 

Brooklynn Turnbow played Mozart’s Violin Concerto No. 5 (1st Movement).

Although the audience was at a limited capacity, enthusiasm was not lacking. Backstage, students were buzzing with excitement to showcase all they had learned. Then, the lights dimmed, and the concert began. After each number, the auditorium was filled with applause as the soloist’s families and friends brought flowers to the stage.

Accompanying the soloists were the devoted members of Bingham Symphony. Musicians in this symphony go above and beyond for the arts, with rehearsals starting at 6 a.m. on Tuesdays and Thursdays. Bingham Symphony includes string and band instruments, and they perform anything from inspiring classical pieces to exciting movie scores. The orchestra is led by Dr. Thompson.

When asked what he hopes Bingham students will learn from their time in orchestra, Dr. Thompson said, “Most of all, I would like students to appreciate orchestra music in all of its styles–be it classical, modern, or even for movies. Most importantly, I hope they will love to make music on their own instrument, whether it’s through solo work or ensembles.” 

Besides Bingham Symphony, the orchestra program has two ensembles that rehearse during the school day: String Orchestra for Sophomores and Symphonic Orchestra for Juniors and Seniors. For many, these groups are a creative escape during school and provide the chance to play in live concerts. 

Orchestra members have learned what it is like to play professional music with great friends. The orchestra president, Paige Davis, says, “At Bingham, I have learned how to lead a section, what it means to be part of the orchestra community with an amazing support system, and how to help people of all skill and confidence levels grow.” The orchestra program at Bingham High School has given these students a foundation to go wherever their music takes them in life.

If you were unable to attend Concerto Night this year, never fear! It is a longstanding tradition at Bingham and will continue to perform excellent music for years to come.