Ackerman Auditorium was bursting with beautiful musical entries Sunday night, May 11, at 7:00 pm as a result of Collegedale Academy’s Band and Orchestra’s Spring Concert.

The concert itself featured both the Band and the Orchestra separately and ended with the combined Symphony Orchestra.

The Concert Band started the evening with the piece “Explorations,” by Ed Huckeby. The band played five pieces, including a Sousa march and the piece “As Summer Was Just Beginning,” which featured student conductor,freshman Josh Vollberg.

“I liked the timing of “As Summer Was Just Beginning,” sophomore Brianna Steele said; “It fit in really well and I thoroughly enjoyed it.” The band drew their portion of the evening to a close with “El Relicario.”

Before the Orchestra could claim the full attention, though, several presentations and awards were presented.

Colorful carnations were presented to all of the mothers in the audience. The Band and Orchestra mothers who joined the groups on their tours were given bouquets of flowers and cards signed by the students.

Three prestigious awards were also given. The Patrick Gilmore award for band was presented to senior Taylor Hernandez. The John Phillip Sousa award, one of the highest awards offered to band students, was presented to senior Connor Strawn.

“It was nice to be recognized for all the hard work I’ve done, but it’s bitter sweet. It means that my time in CA band is over,” Strawn said.

A prestigious orchestra award was awarded to senior Tyler Hartman.

Director Greg Lindquist wished his seniors well as they continue their lives outside of CA, and he gave each of them a certificate of recognition.

“I was on the verge of tears during multiple parts of the concert. I have made so many strong relationships with the people in Orchestra and with Mr. Lindquist as well,” senior Lauren Waegele said. “I am so thankful to have had the opportunity to play with so many amazing musicians and be led by an absolutely incredible orchestra conductor!”

Orchestra took the reins for the second part of the performance, introducing themselves with a sensational Divertimento by Wolfgang Amadeus Mozart. The Divertimento, or Divertimento No. 1 in D Major, Op. 136 to be exact, was completed in three movements.

“They sounded very professional,” junior Brian Wright said, “they played some good, challenging pieces.”

The Orchestra fleshed out their portion with the Holberg Suite written for String Orchestra by Edvard Grieg, which featured Jessica McKee and Lauren Chung as soloists.

Lauren Waegele conducted the finishing piece: Dance of the Tumblers from “Snow Maiden” by N. Rimsky-Korsakoff (Arr. By Sandra Dackow).

“Conducting is so great! I’ve been thinking about going into music education for a while, so having the opportunity to conduct fuels my passion for music,” Waegele said.

The final leg of the epic journey of Spring Concert came together in three enlightening pieces put on by the combined forces of both the Concert Band and the String Orchestra. “Russian Sailor’s Dance,” and music from Gladiator and Pirates of the Caribbean were the three chosen entries.

“The Pirates of the Caribbean sounded so cool!” sophomore Brianna Steele said. “The groups sounded nice separately, but their collaboration really brought out a whole new level of awesomeness.”