Tuning Up For Rosemont's Spring Concert

Zack Burgess is doing it all Wednesday.

Burgress, a senior at Rosemont High School, is playing with two of the school's bands at the Wolverines' Spring Concert at 7 p.m.  The musical gala, which includes performances from Rosemont's concert and symphonic bands, along with the string orchestra, also doubles as a final exam for students.

Burgess, who plays a smaller version of the tuba known as a euphonium, was most excited about playing a brass trio tonight he wrote for a senior project.

Well, maybe more nervous than excited.

"Don't record it," Burgess joked about the project presentation.  "I'm not sure how it will turn out."

Judging by the work turned in by the rest of Rosemont's music students, the project should go fine.  Robin Wilmer, the school's music teacher, said the band has made strides since their last concert in the fall.

"They're playing more difficult music," said Wilmer.  "They're more discerning, which you can see in the conversations we have on stage."

A quick glance in Wilmer's music room gave a preview of the upcoming performance.  A few students were trying on black vests and ties while another student stuffed programs.  On a white board, Wilmer had written the set list for all three music classes playing Wednesday evening.

The list read like an eclectic menu of classical and popular music, including pieces by Vivaldi, Holst, John Williams and James Horner, who wrote the music for the film, "Titanic."

Ivy Patterson, 18, is a senior who plays flute in the symphonic band, which is made up of Wilmer's more advanced musicians.  Patterson believes the set list is a mixture of both the music teacher's expertise and input from the students, who have sharpened their musical standards over the past semester.

"I think she takes our opinion into account with the music," said Patterson.

For seniors like Patterson who graduate on June 5, Wednesday's concert is a swan song.  Wilmer hopes parents who attend will recognize her students' hard work and academic achievements while also enjoying the music.

"Where else are they going to see and experience something that's part of their student's final?" she said.

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