Orchestra rehearses for their upcoming performance. photo by Anja Oss
TJ’s instrumental music program performs creative works throughout the year.
TJ’s instrumental music classes are an important part of TJ’s arts program. With eight different groups of performers, the bands and orchestras are dedicated to their instruments and eager to practice every day. “The wonderful thing about teaching music is that the students in my class have chosen to be there,” said Robin Johnson, TJ’s Instrumental Music teacher and conductor. “They come to my classes eager to learn and be challenged.”
The Advanced group concert will take place on Thursday, October 8th, at 7:00 p.m. and will feature video game songs. “We are playing Legend of Zelda, Halo, and many other great video game songs,” said junior Kiara Bey, a violinist in Advanced Orchestra. “We all have practiced really hard and it should be fun!” Additionally, several students will be playing pieces they arranged. The concert will take place during parent teacher conferences, and everyone is encouraged to come and enjoy some music.
Over the past several years, TJ’s instrumental music department has grown immensely. “When I started at TJ, there was a small band, a small strings class, and a guitar class,” explained Johnson. “Over the years we’ve built up a drumline, added a jazz band, and now are able to offer AP music theory. We now have classes for beginner and intermediate students, which allows all students to develop their skills more fully.”
Last year, TJ had more students play in the Citywide Honors Orchestra and Citywide Honors Band than ever before, and has a student playing in the Colorado Youth Symphony Orchestra this year. Additionally, the different instrumental groups have performed at more schools, community events, and CHSAA solo and ensemble festivals. Johnson hopes to perform more around the community and to put on more entertaining concerts. This year, instrumental music offers Concert and Honors Orchestra, Advanced and Concert Band, Keyboarding, Jazz Band, Drumline, and an AP Music Theory class.
The members of band and orchestra strongly believe in the importance of arts in schools. “I believe the strongest reason for schools to seek to have strong arts programs is to challenge students to be more creative, sensitive, and aware of their surroundings,” stated Johnson. “I feel when we allow ourselves, or our students to specialize too early, we run the risk of limiting their potential and closing off opportunities that could have enriched their lives.” The students explain that being in a music class largely enhances their lives, both in school and at home. “It makes my life less stressful,” said junior Patience PuniNimako, a violinist in the Advanced Orchestra class. “Orchestra is the time of day where you can relax, play music, and do what you love.”
Although many students may overlook TJ’s Instrumental Music program when thinking about the school’s defining traits, it is an important part of many students’ lives and enriches TJ’s culture. “It’s a form of art,” explained junior Rogelio Flores, a violinist in Advanced Orchestra. “We all love music, so having orchestra is amazing. It’s a form of art we all need.”
