Band says farewell to seniors at spring concert

By Travis Fischer, tkfischer@charlescitypress.com

The Charles City High School Music Department said goodbye to its graduating seniors at its spring concert on Tuesday, April 28.

The concert kicked off with the high school string orchestra, performing “Fantasia on a Theme from Thailand.”

“It’s a great tune,” said Director Chris Paulson. “It’s so expressive.”

The string concert continued with “Royal Fireworks Overture” followed by “The Best of ABBA.”

As is tradition, seniors Savannah Baldus, Natalie Keyes, Kaylee Loftus, Lucias Thompson and Andrea Wedeking were presented with a celebratory cactus plant and gave Director Paulson gifts of his own, thanking him for saving their strings program with a commemorative photos and certificate of achievement recognizing him as the “Most Enthusiastic Yapper.”

Concert band Director Jake Gassman led the performance of “Fanfare Esprit,” which the band will be playing again for large group contest on Friday, along with “On a Hymnsong of Philip Bliss” and “West Highlands Sojourn.”

Gassman likewise honored his graduating seniors; Gabby Deverell, Lilie Mohring, Kaity Heckers, Blake Hoeft, Mikey Bauer, Addison Tracey and his daughter, Ellie Gassman.

“I want to thank you for somehow being the best dad and the best teacher,” said Ellie.

After receiving their cactuses, the seniors presented Gassman with their own gifts, including a commemorative photo of their bus trip and a customized T-shirt, leaving their director nearly speechless.

“I even made notes and I don’t know what to say,” said Gassman. “You guys have been in my heart for a long time and you’re going to stay in my heart for a long time.”