-John M. Valdez, PPAG Reviewer

In a play or conversation if more than one person speaks at the same time is noise and rubbish. But with music you can have many at the same time and its beautiful. So Peter Shaffer has Mozart say in his award winning play and movie Amadeus. This night of music was just an example of what he may have had in mind. It was a great night of Orchestra, Band and Choir, each student showing his/her talent no matter what instrument they were using.

The near capacity crowd flooded the brutally hot auditorium at South High School to honor the talent and hard work of Pueblo’s finest young musicians. They were not disappointed at all. The night although very hot was a wonderful musical experience. The show opened with Bonnie Norton, Pueblo City School’s Fine Art Specialist giving introductions and audience expectations. I only wish the annoying giggly high school student and her equally chatty and immature mother sitting in front of me had listened and followed Bonnie’s instructions.

The orchestra took the stage first and even though this reviewer has been in choirs and musicals for over 30 years I have always envied those who could make a violin make heavenly sounds. The music was a wonderful and delightful mix of warm moving pieces and some whimsical romps. All enhanced by the energy and sparkly jacket of the wonderful guest conductor Mrs. Nancy Alwein.

The stage was then turned around to make way for the choir. And although done quit smoothly the change cut into time and even broke the flow of the night. It seemed to me that had the band followed the orchestra we would have only dealt with one long turn around rather than two due to the set ups being so similar.

All this aside next on stage was the choir. The choir was led by a name that all knew and loved. Mr. Wayne Genova. One would be hard pressed to find a person in Pueblo who had not been influenced in some way by Wayne. Even if not directly involved in music we all at least know someone who is, or have seen some of his work.

The most striking piece of the set was the touching and haunting Kyrie (from Memorial) a tribute to those lost on 9/11. Also a stand out was the electrifying Tempus est iocundum enhanced by the lovely soloists, most notably the lovely and charming voice of Sarah Wood. Pueblo Native, professional singer, and current music teacher at South Mesa School Robert Welborn took on the role of Baritone soloist. His performance was powerful and striking and had the audience spellbound. But yet this reviewer wondered why one of our talented young men of the choir did not join Mr. Welborn.

The final group of the evening was the honor band led by the nationally known Dr. David J. Schmidt. There was a rousing performance of the strangely titled but great Flight of the Falcon. The band was powerful and strong end to the evening. We were left with, as Dr. Schmidt put it, something to whistle on the way home. So the band closed perfectly with Nevada Expedition.

This reviewer was amazed at the amount and wealth of young talent in our town. Not only was there an extremely large number of students involved but their skill and talent was simply awesome. I was however deeply disappointed that Central High School was not represented at all by any student. I was shocked by this but not too surprised. Sadly when schools struggle music and arts although one of the best ways to inspire and motivate students are the first to get cut. A great night of music, congratulations all around to all students and staff involved it was a very special show.