KEOKUK, Iowa – The Keokuk Middle School Bands will present an annual Winter Concert at 7 p.m., Thursday, Nov. 30, in the KMS Gym. The concert will feature the K-Det and Concert KMS bands.
Community members who still play band instruments are invited to join the bands and perform for the final two songs of the concert, which will be, “Sing We Now” and “Handel for Christmas.” To perform with the bands, guests may get copies of the music from a student participant or by contacting KMS band director Krystal Bottorf at KMS. Guest players may practice the two songs during any of the following times from 9:37-10:26 a.m. on Nov. 17, Nov. 20-21, Nov. 27-28 and during the dress rehearsal in the KMS Gym from 10:35 – 10:55 a.m. on Thursday, Nov. 30, with both bands.
Guests are not required to practice with the students, however they may feel more comfortable performing the night of the concert if they do practice, Bottorf said. Although the student performers look forward to performing with the guest players, no matter the amount of practice. Guest players are welcome to sight read the night of the concert and there are some instruments available for those who do not have an instrument, but you must contact Bottorff as soon as possible, by calling or texting (319) 343-8146, or by email at krystal.bottorff@keokukschools.org.
Guest players will sit in the audience prior to the final two songs, and they may place instruments along the back wall of the gym until the short break and announcement to join. Then they will grab the instrument, music, music stand, chair, and find a place to sit with the student performers. The large group will warm-up with a Bb Concert Scale.
Throughout the concert a variety of musical selections will be performed by the student band members, including patriotic and holiday music. The bands will be directed by Bottorff, who will be assisted by Keokuk High School Band Director, Jesse Deese.
The concert is free to attend and open to the public.
