‘Gift of Music’ by JHS Music Boosters Saturday

A multitude of melodies from Mozart to Natasha Beddingfield will be heard at “The Gift of Music,” the third annual fall concert presented by the Jamestown Public Schools Music Boosters.

“Music Boosters helps to raise money for a new piano, scholarships to an international music program, summer programs and other requests outside of what the school (can provide),” said Cheryl McIntyre, choir director at Jamestown High School.

The concert has become a tradition at Jamestown High School, and provides a showcase for performers in the community, including leaders in the JHS music program.

This year, the high school’s new band director, Brandon Bondley, will play “America the Beautiful” on the trumpet as his contribution to the evening’s set list.

McIntyre will play melancholy popular standards “Blue Moon” and “Stormy Weather” on the Weber piano the Music Boosters purchased for the high school a few years ago for $26,000.

The piano will be featured in the Saturday show, not just as accompaniment for singers but as the main attraction. Piano pieces include selections by Mozart, Chopin, Beethoven and Gershwin.

Not all the selections will be from the romantic or classical traditions, however.

The program includes Lauren Yatskis’ vocal performance of recent pop hit “Unwritten,” and a performance of “Art is Calling for Me” by Jamestown College professor Kate Stevenson. Christine Randall-Fieber will sing Cyndi Lauper’s hit, “True Colors.”

“It’s a good opportunity for people to see all the talent in this city, and it’s a fun-filled night,” said Paul Sharp, vice president of the Music Boosters.

The Instruments of Praise, an instrumental praise band from First United Methodist Church, will play “Just a Closer Walk” and “Great Is the Lord.” Mike and Tony McIntyre will sing a duet from the musical “Titanic,” and Mike McIntyre will also sing “Where Is the Life that Late I Led” from Broadway’s “Kiss Me Kate.”

Other performers will be Pam Burkhardt, Rick Walentine, Jaime Namminga and Leah Entzel on the marimba. Tony McIntyre will also serve as the event’s master of ceremonies.

“I think it’s a great way to showcase talent in the Jamestown area. It gives all the students an opportunity to see they can do this forever,” Bondley said.

Students do attend the show, partly to see their own teachers or future teachers in action, said Todd Langbehn, a Music Boosters board member.

“We just wanted to show, also with this concert, music provides lifelong enjoyment in people’s lives,” said Theresa McMillan, president of the Music Boosters board.

Last year’s fall concert raised $1,800 for the nonprofit organization.

“The Gift of Music” concert begins at 7:30 p.m. Saturday at the JHS Theater. Tickets are available at the door for $10 for adults and $5 for students, including college students who have their school IDs.

Sun reporter Kari Lucin can be reached at 701-952-8453 or by email at klucin@ jamestownsun.com

Tags: diversions, performances