RMC Music Festival Colors the Weekend with Melodies

A standing ovation ended off a musically adventurous weekend! Campion Academy hosted the 2019 Rocky Mountain Conference Music Festival that included schools from Kansas, Wyoming, and Colorado. The group of over 200 students ranged from fifth grade to high school, but all had one goal; to praise God through music.

The rehearsals lasted for two full days and were led by Mr. Curtis Anderson, Clinton Anderson’s brother. “He was a great conductor and connected well with all the students,” explained senior Christian Carr.

A valuable aspect of the music festival is the student mentorship program.  In the orchestra, each younger student was partnered with an academy student who played the same instrument for all the rehearsals and performance.  The more experienced students were able be role models and lead the younger students to a higher level of performance.   Esther Aviles, Music Director at Mile High Academy, and Yves Clouzet of Campion, conducted the orchestra. 

Friday night was Campion Academy’s Music Department concert called “The Heart of Worship.” Mountain Echoes Chorale, Koinonia, and the CA Orchestra moved the crowd with their inspiring songs and powerful words. The singing didn’t end there. Saturday was the joint concert for all the participating schools. Parents and grandparents from all over piled-in and filled every chair to listen to the students perform. Laughter and cries filled the air as the participants sang one of their favorite songs, “Peter Piper.” Mr. Anderson encouraged the young students to let out a bellowing cry to release their emotions during the song. “You could see all the students smile through every song because of how much they thoroughly enjoyed it,” said senior Stephanie Salinas who played in orchestra.

Handbells played passionately as their hands moved to the beat of the songs. It takes a lot of teamwork and concentration to stay on the beat and listen, but this group pulled it off beautifully. The clinician of handbells was Mrs. Miki Shockley who worked hard to bring the multiple groups together.

The program ended with many “thank you’s” to everyone who took part in making this event possible, such as the sound coordinators, clinicians, piano players, participants, and many more. Mr. Yves Clouzet left the crowd in tears as he thanked his wife for her love and support. He did not forget to mention his daughter and the daughter who will soon come.

Hilary Simamora, Senior, Guest Contributor