Quincy Music Program music teacher Eliza Hardee announces three upcoming music performances open to the community. The music program includes students from all grades in Plumas Unified School District Quincy schools. Hardee encourages everyone to spread the word as much as possible “so the kids and music program are strongly supported this week.”
On Tuesday, Dec. 16, students will perform at Quincy Elementary School’s Alder Street campus:
- 8:40 a.m.: sixth grade explorer band
- 9 a.m.: fifth grade discovery band
- 9:20 a.m.: fourth grade glockenspiel/folk song performance
- 9:40 a.m.: third grade recorder performance
Hardee said the sixth grade explorer band students have been working diligently in preparation for their concert this week. Their performance features a diverse selection of music, including the melodic “Ayre and Dance,” the festive classic “Winter Wonderland” and the iconic theme from “Star Wars.”
On Wednesday, Dec. 17, students will perform at Quincy Junior-Senior High School’s lower gym, with a start time of 5:30 p.m.:
- Fifth grade band
- Sixth grade band
- Quincy High apprentice band
- Quincy High journeyman band
- Quincy High honor band
- Special mass honor band with selections from “The Nutcracker”
In order to create a real-life concert experience for the student musicians, doors will close during each group’s performance and the audience is expected to follow polite concert etiquette, say organizers.
A diverse ensemble of top student musicians spanning grades five through 12 will conclude Wednesday evening’s concert, said Hardee. Selected for their dedication, rigorous practice ethic and strong musical abilities, these performers have collaborated to bring selections from Tchaikovsky’s “The Nutcracker” to the stage.
This event is more than just a concert, said Hardee; it is a unifying experience that bridges generations of talented young artists. Bringing together students of varying ages and skill levels into a single mass band creates a unique and enriching performance opportunity that is memorable for both the audience and the dedicated musicians involved, she said.
On Thursday, Dec. 18, students will perform at Quincy Elementary School’s Pioneer campus. The show starts at 9 a.m. and features the transitional kindergarten through second grade choir.
Honor and collaboration
Organizers point out that this month has been filled with teamwork and opportunity for music students. Quincy High staff were proud to recognize 19 of the school’s top musicians who traveled to Truckee High School to participate in the Region V Honor Band during an immersive two-day experience.
This elite event fosters collaboration among the best student talent from six area high schools, forming a powerful 82-member ensemble, said Hardee. The experience was intense, involving 12 total hours of rigorous rehearsal over two days. “The hard work paid off beautifully as the students delivered a concert of five selections that served as an amazing display of musical excellence,” said Hardee. “The participants did an exceptional job, blending hard work with the joy of musical collaboration.”
In addition, last week Quincy High students welcomed Quincy Elementary students from the Alder campus to join them for a combined practice session. “It was a great display of community and music,” said school staff.
Community support
“This week is monumental for the Quincy Music Program!” said Hardee. “Your support is vital for our dedicated young musicians and the future of music education in our district.”
Hardee points out that PUSD has established a comprehensive music education program from transitional kindergarten through high school, designed to expose every student to the gift of music. “This program is more than just a class; it is a vital part of a comprehensive curriculum that provides extensive cognitive, social, emotional and personal benefits,” she said. “Music offers a ‘full-body workout’ for the brain, engaging multiple areas simultaneously and building essential life skills.”
Community advocacy is crucial for the continuation of these programs, said Hardee. She asks that community members demonstrate their support this week by
- Attending concerts
- Sharing pictures on social media
- Writing emails to the district office
“Your participation directly impacts the future of music education in our schools,” she said.
Plumas Performing Arts also offers opportunities to donate directly to Plumas Unified School District music programs, including Quincy’s program, on its website.
