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Koinonia, Campion Academy’s select choir, kicked off the Denver Nuggets NBA game, performing the national anthem to an audience of nearly 20,000 in the Ball Arena on Wednesday, February 5.
Athletic Director Caleb Jahn, and Music Director Naomi Fernandez had requested to have Koinonia sing the anthem for the Nuggets game the night that Campion played in the Ball Arena, but were told that bookings were scheduled a year in advance. Instead, the choir focused on preparing to sing for the Mile High vs. Campion Ball Arena games. During that performance, Lindsey, a coordinator at Ball Arena, heard Koinonia’s rendition of the “Star Spangled Banner” and described it as one of her favorite versions. A few weeks later, a cancellation opened up a spot, and Lindsey remembered Koinonia’s performance and reached out to Fernandez to see if they would sing for a real NBA game. Reflecting on the experience, Mrs. Naomi Fernandez shared, “I think that it was exciting and it was an honor. I thought the students handled themselves really well, going from a stadium of 300 to 20,000, and they performed at a really high level.” Alexandra Cordoba, Student News Team
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The Campion Academy Orchestra traveled up to the Union College Music Festival to expand their musical talents and perform with other top student musicians from across the Mid-America Union.
Led by Campion Music Director Cecilia Simmons, 19 students were representing Campion Academy at the festival from Wednesday, January 31 to Saturday, February 3. Over half of the Campion students were first-time festival attendees. According to Simmons, Campion’s Orchestra received high praise from the clinicians and section leaders for their hard work and dedication to their performances. Simmons elaborated; “Sarah (sophomore, trumpet) and Leo (junior, oboe) both earned solos on one of the festival band selections. Jack (junior, violin) was named concertmaster for the festival orchestra and Ariana (sophomore, violin) was named principal for the second violins. In the neverending competition between siblings Caleb (senior, euphonium) and Addison (sophomore, trombone), Caleb won at least one round by being the only euphonium player at the festival.” The students commented that they enjoyed learning new music and the chance to travel and spend time with friends. Toby Quillin (junior, saxophone) shared, “I had a lot of fun at Music Fest both playing my instrument and spending time with friends as well as meeting new friends. I learned a lot about playing the saxophone especially when they brought in a teacher from Lincoln University and taught us more about how to play our instrument”. Elizabeth Shannon (senior, trombone) shared similar sentiments saying; “I think I learned how to play my part of the music a lot better and how to sight read better. I liked hearing the progress we made from practice to performance. I realized that Campion has a lot of talented people! And my favorite part was probably just walking around the city and hanging out when we were on breaks.” After three full days of practice, the students showcased their work at performances on Friday evening and Saturday evening. Videos of the performances can be found on Union College’s youtube channel. Simmons explained, “One of the program highlights was getting to hear both the festival band and orchestra join together on a thrilling piece entitled ‘Resurgences.’ It was the perfect end to an incredible week of music making and camaraderie.” Pedro Vieira, Student News Team  This past Saturday night the Campion Drama Department put on a production of Seven Brides for Seven Brothers in the Campion Gymnasium. Parents traveled from as far as Texas, Missouri, and New Mexico.
Ms. Johnson, Drama Department Director, and the actors had been preparing for the performance since the beginning of the year. The play was a success because of the help from actors, set design, and the backstage crew. The costumes were donated and made by Mrs. Williams. Along with that, she played the piano during the performance. Additionally, the orchestra provided musical accompaniment for the play. During the musical, there was a fundraiser where the senior class offered chili, pie, and other snacks. The audience had the opportunity to enjoy some Western themed food. Seven Brides for Seven Brothers takes place during the 1850’s in Oregon. In this drama, an unexpected love story unfolds between Adam Pontipee, played by Ekenna Nwankwo, and Millie, played by Abby Waworoendang. As Adam searches for a wife to help him manage his six brothers, he finds Millie and they end up getting married. Keeping true to the promise of the title, the musical ended with the seven brides marrying the seven brothers. “At first, I was a little nervous, but it was really fun. I think we did a great job, and overall it was a good experience for everyone,” shared actress Claire Jorgensen, junior. Not only did the actors learn and memorize their lines, but they practiced intricate choreography. They did cartwheels, line dancing, and acted out a lot of fights. “I really enjoyed learning how to do a cartwheel for the play and playing my character Gideon,” Keon Paez, junior, shared. Waworoendang, senior expressed, “I’m so relieved that everyone enjoyed it, and it was so great to work with this team. We learned so much doing this presentation. It felt so good hearing everyone laugh at the jokes and have fun.” Vashty Segovia Santos, Student News Team For parent's weekend, the music department shared several performances from Koinonia, Chorale, Orchestra, and Handbells.
The music department provided the worship music for Sabbath’s church service at Campion Church on October 14. View the performances from Orchestra, Choir, and Koinonia on Campion Church’s livestream page. The Choir performance begins at minute 26:40 and Koinonia performs at the end.
The Campion Church hosted a choir and orchestra festival, open to community members of all ages, for the first time on October 6 and 7. The groups met to practice Friday evening and Sabbath afternoon before performing a concert on Saturday night. Pastor Leandro Bizama was the conductor and organizer of the festival which included several of his original pieces. Click to view a recording of the event.
The concert was one event in this fall’s Faith and the Arts Festival where art is used to inspire others to grow spiritually. See below for upcoming events in the Faith and Arts Festival. Campion Church and Campion Academy students worshiped together on Sabbath for the first time this school year. On this dedication Sabbath, Pastor Rodlie Ortiz had his first sermon at Campion Church’s lead pastor.
In his sermon, he encouraged the audience to let go of their personal burdens and go to God for rest. Ariel Patterson, senior, commented. “I really like the new pastor. His sermon spoke to so many students. He explained how we must go under God’s yolk and He will help us.” Students in the Music Department helped lead worship, which included a performance from Koinonia, Campion’s select choir, after just two days of rehearsal. Abby Waworoendeng, one of the soloists in Koinonia, expressed, “I was nervous, at first, to sing because we didn’t have a ton of time to prepare, but once I was up there singing, I felt better. I knew God was there with me.” During the service, the teachers and staff were invited to come forward and were prayed over for their ministry this academic year. After church, all of the students and church members enjoyed food and games together on Center Campus. Students from Campion and kids from the church played friendly games of football and soccer together. The new pastor joined in, getting to know students and families. Ortiz shared, “I love being around young people! The students have a buzzing energy. I’m so excited to be here and get to know all the students.” Vashty Segovia Santos, Student News Team The Campion Academy Orchestra joined with church musicians to lead out in the worship service this past Sabbath, October 29. In addition, Campion's Chorale and Bells ensemble shared musical selections.
Watch the performances at https://www.campion.church/archives Campion Academy's new Jazz Band showed off their blossoming skills during Academy Days last week. Don't miss your chance to see them along with the rest of our music ensembles at the Christmas concert on December 17.
Teachers showed their appreciation for outstanding students by passing out awards, while the Campion Music Department ensembles presented their culminating pieces at the Pop’s Concert and Awards Night on Saturday evening. The program began with recognition of staff who will be leaving the academy next school year, presented by Principal Don Reeder. Ekenna Nwankwo, freshman, said, “It was great to be able to see what students did really well, and be able to see some of the staff for the last time.” Yves Clouzet, Campion Academy’s orchestra and handbells conductor described the concert by saying, “I always enjoy the performances at the Pops Concerts because they allow the Music Department students to enjoy a more low-pressure performance atmosphere and the chance to play lighter music for their friends and family. It is also a bittersweet time because it always marks the ‘last hurrah’ for our seniors in the Music Program. We will miss them so much!” Along with the academic awards, staff members recognized achievements such as perfect attendance and workmanship, and the deans announced next year’s Resident Assistants. Finally, Randolph Ottschofski, Campion’s athletic director, presented sports awards and Yves and Melissa Clouzet presented music awards. “I’m so proud of all our music students and what they have accomplished this year amidst so many challenges,” commented Clouzet. “We will always strive to make sure students are able to experience quality music education at this school, no matter what the circumstances may be.” Ending the night, students were presented with a year-in-review video encompassing the 2020-2021 school year. “My favorite part of the video was getting to look back at all the memories that we've made throughout this rough year,” reflected sophomore Melody Mambo, who created the video. “It was fun getting to see us adapt to all the rules that were established and still making the most of our time. Honestly, it was a struggle at the beginning of the year, but in the end it was all worth it and the result turned out great.” Jynana Wright, Senior, Guest Contributor |
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