Trombones, cellos, and a lasting rivalry

December 16, 2009 • written by Johnny Frohlichstein & Devan Coggan  
Filed under Editorials, Opinion

Since the dawn of time, a few rivalries have stood unresolved. Cubs or Cardinals? Webster or Kirkwood? Jacob or Edward? One question, however, rules them all: Which is better, band or orchestra? Two Call staffers, each a member of either KHS music program, dedicated themselves to defending their respective program. Devan Coggan, opinions editor and violinist, and Johnny Frohlichstein, sports writer and percussionist, took on this monumental task.

Band geeks:

Picture a crisp, cool Friday night. The varsity football team has just left the field at halftime, and there is a short pause. Then, Mr. Kenyon’s voice over the loudspeaker says, “Now, performing your halftime show, the KHS marching orchestra!”

What?

The band, not the orchestra, works tirelessly to prepare the halftime show that a large portion of the community

sees. Not only that, we prepare songs to play in the bleachers that pump up an entire student body.

We begin in the summer. The drum line rehearses for two weeks in July. Then, in August, we have two weeks of marching practice on the blistering Essex parking lot, the sun glaring ferociously at our exposed necks and doing everything it can to give us third degree burns. When school starts, we go outside every day, no matter the temperature. We prepare more than 20 pieces of music, ready to play them at a moment’s notice during a game.

During the halftime show, nearly all 184 members of the band march, keep time, ignore their names being yelled by the crowd, count beats and play music. We might as well try to juggle knives on one foot while playing Concentration. The post-game shows always have a few crowd pleasers, including the Beatles’ hit “Hey Jude.” We always kick off pep rallies with a rousing chorus of “Let’s Get it Started.”

The orchestra plays “Symphony No. 25.” When’s the last time that has prompted a sing-along?

After Turkey Day, we return inside for the winter. While the orchestra has two different groups, we have three because of the band’s expansion since Jason Rekittke, director, arrived in 2003. Since his arrival, the band has grown from roughly 100 members to 184.

Last year, the Wind Ensemble (the highest level group) was invited to play at the Missouri Music Educators Association (MMEA) Conference in Osage Beach, MO. Only two in the state are invited to play. Although this may not be as much of an accomplishment as being accepted to Carnegie Hall, it still puts the KHS band among the best in the state.

The band plays up-tempo, varying pieces that rely on the harmonies and melodies of both high and low notes. The orchestra plays repetitive pieces that rely on the groan of a bow across strings and sharp, angry notes of the melody. The band has a variety of instruments: woodwinds, brass and percussion. The orchestra has one type: strings.

The orchestra stays in its heated or air-conditioned room. The band braves the outdoors and puts on a show for the entire community to see.

Orch dorks:

Last time I checked, the KHS symphonic orchestra was one of three musical groups in the nation invited to play at Carnegie Hall. As in the Carnegie Hall. Past Hall performers include Judy Garland, Benny Goodman, Duke Ellington and The Beatles. An orchestra playing at Carnegie Hall is the equivalent of a rock band playing Madison Square Garden.

The band’s going to the Missouri Music Educators Association (MMEA) Conference in Osage Beach, MO.

1-0, orchestra.

Please don’t get me wrong. In all seriousness, I love the band. Any school program supporting music of any kind is okay by me. I am the first one cheering on all my band friends when they hit the football field on Friday nights. No one can deny that our band produces high quality musicians and performances. Both orchestra and band repeatedly earn superior ratings at contests. Comparing the quality of the band to the orchestra, however, is a bit presumptuous.

Obviously, one cannot argue about music tastes. I, for one, prefer a Handel violin sonata over a halftime piece filled with brass and percussion. However, one can compare the facts.

Last year, the orchestra took home the top prizes at the Heritage Music Festival in Atlanta, GA. Between the symphonic and concert orchestras, we won First Place Gold, Gold, the Outstanding Orchestra Award, the Adjudicator’s Award, two awards for best soloist (concert and symphonic) and an invitation to participate in the National Invitational Band and Orchestra Festival. This year, eight orchestra students auditioned for and made it into the prestigious St. Louis Symphony Youth Orchestra, and another 11 made it into the Missouri All-State Orchestra. The year before, nine students were accepted into the SLYSO, and another nine made it into All-State. Our orchestra directors, Mr. Patrick Jackson and Mrs. Kelly Judge, have been recognized with media coverage and numerous awards. Mr. Jackson, the KHS orchestra teacher for the past 18 years, was the 2003-2004 KSD Teacher of the Year. All of the approximately 100 students involved in the program are dedicated, and this commitment shows in our peerless performances.

There’s no competition. The KHS orchestra squashes the band in every possible category. We’re smarter, more talented, better looking… Have fun in Osage Beach, guys. We’ll send you a postcard from New York.

Choir responds:

Jordan Berger, Call assistant business editor and vocalist, offers her opinion on the dispute.

I don’t understand what all the rivalry is about. Everyone knows that choir is the way to go. Not only do you not have to cart around a heavy instrument, but you can pull out your talent any place you want. Clearly it’s the better choice.