NEDERLAND — The bands and orchestras of Nederland Middle-Senior High School (NMSHS), all under the direction of Christine Mallery, played their Spring Concert the week before Spring Break.

The high school band opened the March 10 concert with "Power Move" and "Moon Gazer."

The 6th grade band then played "Boogie Blues" and "Buglers Rule," which featured the trumpets and alto saxophone.

The 6th grade orchestra then took the stage and performed two tunes, "Hall of Heroes" and "Gaelic Castle."

Nederland middle schooler Evan Troy on the bass.

Photo courtesy of Harrison Kobi

The next orchestra came from the 7th and 8th graders. They played Beethoven's "Symphony No. 7, Movement 2" and "Fire on the Bow."

The high school chamber orchestra offered four songs for the spring concert—a small journey around the world: "Le Froid De L'Hiver," "Chinese New Year," "Scenes From the Emerald Isle," and "Postcards from Russia."

The Nederland High School Chamber Orchestra played "Postcards from Russia." Evelyne Stanton, who is usually seen playing the bass, played the balalaika, a Russian folk instrument, for this piece.

Photo by Sara Sandstrom

"Postcards from Russia" brought a special sound to the NMSHS auditorium. High school orchestra bass player Evelyne Stanton played the balalaika for this song. The balalaika is a three-stringed Russian folk instrument with a triangular wooden body and fretted neck. It added a beautiful and unique sound to the evening.

The 7th and 8th grade band was up next. They performed "Baba Yetu" from Civilization IV. Then the 7th and 8th grade and high school band united and played "Crazy Train" by the late Ozzy Osbourne.

The next concert by the NMSHS bands and orchestras will be in May.

Come out and support the music programs at the local schools. It really does make a difference.