WMHFA Empirical
Northern Lights - Great Journey Southwest
by Tess Reagan
It was a dark and stormy night. The girls’ bus pulled over to the side of the expressway as the heavy rain pounded from all sides. Lightning flashed around us as we sang every hymn we knew. Unbeknownst to all, the drums were being drenched in the downpour. As a few mothers held a garbage bag up to the leaking roof of the bus, there came a cry, “We need duct tape!” Illuminated by a flash of lightning, a figure appeared, arm raised, and heroically exclaimed, “I HAVE DUCT TAPE!” It was Sarah Gonyer, tuba player and friend to all. The leaks were efficiently taped, the storm calmed, and we were on our way.
We arrived at Cracker Barrel, sleep deprived but excited, and enjoyed our large breakfasts. I believe everyone would agree, however, that the gift shop was the best part. From slide whistles and yo-yo’s to biting wiener dogs and flying pigs, it was extremely entertaining (especially to homeschoolers).
Cameras clicked as we got our first glimpse of the Gateway Arch in St.Louis. Only four more hours to our destination: Branson, home of Country Music!
Finally the busses pulled into a parking lot next to the Grand Village shops in Branson. Many found their way to Mel’s Hard Luck Diner, where they were entertained by the singing waiters and waitresses. Mr.Stiles received extra special attention...
That evening we arrived at the Dixie Stampede! Soldiers dressed in Civil War attire made their way into a wide dirt arena as a great big man shouted with much enthusiasm, “Let’s hear it for the NORTH!” The crowd shouted ‘BOO!’ or ‘HOORAH!’ “Lets hear it for the SOUTH!!” ‘BOO!’ ‘HOORAH!’ The noise echoed throughout the building. “The chicken was amazing,” Brielle Denooyer exclaimed, “and the horses. I loved the horses!” (I hope Brielle was talking about the live horses!)
The next day, we made our way to the Shepherd of the Hills Fish Hatchery, Table Rock Dam, and we visited the College of the Ozarks, one of the seven members of the Work Colleges Consortium. We also made a trip inside the college museum, which had a surprising amount of artifacts, including the original Beverly Hillbillies car as well as large gun and taxidermy collections. When asked about the museum, Courtney Ford replied, “They had a very good variety and quantity of artifacts. The guns were awesome!”
Many of the students then went swimming before heading off to see Sight and Sound Theatre’s production of “Jonah,” which was complete with a giant faux whale and live animals.
On the third day of our trip, we packed our luggage and were down to the bus by 6:45am. We were driven through Fantastic Caverns, where we were told by our driver that, “Pillars are called columns down here ‘cuz you sleep on yer pillars.” That gave us all something to laugh at! The acoustics were incredible down in the caves, so we sang a verse of Amazing Grace that I will never forget.
For lunch, on our way back to St.Louis, we stopped at Lambert’s Cafe, ‘Home of the Throwed Rolls’. The name is quite self explanatory. Catch the famous rolls or you go hungry! Well, maybe not quite. There was plenty of other food to eat there as well. Some selections included fried okra, mashed potatoes, a “light” chef salad ten stories high, chicken and dumplings, and mugs of your beverage about 6” in diameter!
We arrived at the St.Louis Zoo just on time for the Family Parade, after spending the afternoon contorting balloons into many funky hat designs. The marching band performed well at the Family Parade in spite of some tricky challenges. Mr.Stiles praised the band, “You kids are great because of your flexibility.”
In the evening, many band members enjoyed playing cards and chatting in the hotel lobby, while parents leaned drowsily on the railing saying, “Five more minutes....”
Then the big day finally arrived; the parade we had all been waiting for was here! The St. Louis Veiled Prophet Parade! The Veiled Prophet Organization strives to, “enrich the quality of life in the greater St. Louis community.” They also create large floats and participate in the parade. “ The kindness of the other bands,” is what Caleb Ford liked the most about the parade.
After the parade, we ate at Grant’s Farm, a farm that General Ulysses S. Grant founded and farmed in the 1850s.
The Gateway Arch is an essential part of any visit to St.Louis. Thus, the Northern Lights Marching Band made their way towards the towering, sleek, glistening masterpiece. Our experience there began with a brief movie about how the Arch was constructed, and then the long anticipated trip up in a tiny circular capsule, each containing five seats, began. “My favorite part was looking down on the Mississippi River, (once we got to the top)” said Jordan Evans, “because it reminded me of the Percy Jackson books by Rick Riordan.”
After that adventure had ended, the band watched an Imax movie called “Lewis and Clark-Great Journey West,” which was another superb feature of our trip. Some band members were able to view fireworks by the riverside, while others enjoyed dinner.
Tim Adamson said he enjoyed “everything” about the trip, and after much contemplation, Mr.Stiles told me that, “Because I have never been to this, probably the Fantastic Caverns (was my favorite stop).”
I walked through the damp grass by the Arch, and the moon shone brightly across the lawn. I thought about what a blessing all the people around me are! I am so thankful for everyone who coordinated anything involving the St. Louis Trip: the Marches, Mr.Stiles, my family, all families and teachers, and WMHFA. The list goes on. The trip was an absolute blast, an experience I believe every musician should have! Although the Northern Lights’ Great Journey Southwest has ended, our light continues to shine.
July 15, 2014
Kalamazoo Spring Concert
by Caroline Lumetta
On April 15th, the WMHFA Kalamazoo branch held its Spring Concert at Comstock Community Auditorium. The night was kicked off by the Recorder Class which impressed the audience with their hand-picked songs, a mix of classical and American favorites. Considering several weeks of rehearsal were lost due to bad weather and illness,the Beginners did very well. The Beginning Orchestra’s performance of Flowers, composed by instructor Karin Code, was especially interesting. The audience loved how it highlighted each section. The Beginning Band was next. They started out with the pleasant Hobbit Dance, had a march in the middle, and finished up with a performance of the quickly-moving Fandango el Dorado. Then it was
Intermediate Orchestra’s turn and they played classical songs, such as the Hansel and Gretel Prayer, which everyone enjoyed. The arrangement of Country Wedding from The Moldau was also very well-played. The popular piece Farandole by Georges Bizet was performed by the Brass Quintet. They made it a musical treat for their listeners. The Intermediate Band was in
the middle, and played right after the quintet. They opened with the exotic-sounding Egyptique. Next they performed A Song of Hope, a slower but inspiring composition. Halfway through the night, the Advanced and Intermediate bands played Electricity together. It was incredibly energetic, exciting, and loudly cheered by the crowd. Advanced Band then played
their fast-paced pieces with little mishap and much skill. The Great Locomotive Chase turned out to be a great success. It literally sounded like a train. After the band’s final performance of Sun Cycles, some enthusiastic members of the audience even shouted “Encore!” As the night wore on, Advanced Orchestra boasted a cello concerto in a song by Haydn and later an
accomplished student piano accompanist in the Concerto Grosso No. 1. They awed all their eager listeners with the sheer musicality of their performance. The last group to perform was the Kalamazoo Choir. They finished the evening with the classic gospel song, Total Praise. It was obvious to see that all the students, elementary through high school, were thoroughly
enjoying themselves and praising God with their talents. What better way to end than by singing His wonderful works? Before the night fully came to a close, the teachers were presented with gifts and floral plants (jalapeno plants in Mr. March’s case) and a happy birthday song was sung for Mr. Jared March. Students and teachers were flooded with
compliments and praises as they walked back into the auditorium. Several said, “I can’t wait till the next concert!” and exclaimed “It was a blast as always!” As the flow of people slowly trickled out the door, goodbyes were said, congratulations given, and pictures snapped. And so ended another successful concert in Kalamazoo! All in all, the whole evening was full of
fun, excitement, with a some nervousness mixed in. Keep practicing, have a great summer, marchers have fun at Marching Band, and see you next semester!
by Caroline Lumetta
On April 15th, the WMHFA Kalamazoo branch held its Spring Concert at Comstock Community Auditorium. The night was kicked off by the Recorder Class which impressed the audience with their hand-picked songs, a mix of classical and American favorites. Considering several weeks of rehearsal were lost due to bad weather and illness,the Beginners did very well. The Beginning Orchestra’s performance of Flowers, composed by instructor Karin Code, was especially interesting. The audience loved how it highlighted each section. The Beginning Band was next. They started out with the pleasant Hobbit Dance, had a march in the middle, and finished up with a performance of the quickly-moving Fandango el Dorado. Then it was
Intermediate Orchestra’s turn and they played classical songs, such as the Hansel and Gretel Prayer, which everyone enjoyed. The arrangement of Country Wedding from The Moldau was also very well-played. The popular piece Farandole by Georges Bizet was performed by the Brass Quintet. They made it a musical treat for their listeners. The Intermediate Band was in
the middle, and played right after the quintet. They opened with the exotic-sounding Egyptique. Next they performed A Song of Hope, a slower but inspiring composition. Halfway through the night, the Advanced and Intermediate bands played Electricity together. It was incredibly energetic, exciting, and loudly cheered by the crowd. Advanced Band then played
their fast-paced pieces with little mishap and much skill. The Great Locomotive Chase turned out to be a great success. It literally sounded like a train. After the band’s final performance of Sun Cycles, some enthusiastic members of the audience even shouted “Encore!” As the night wore on, Advanced Orchestra boasted a cello concerto in a song by Haydn and later an
accomplished student piano accompanist in the Concerto Grosso No. 1. They awed all their eager listeners with the sheer musicality of their performance. The last group to perform was the Kalamazoo Choir. They finished the evening with the classic gospel song, Total Praise. It was obvious to see that all the students, elementary through high school, were thoroughly
enjoying themselves and praising God with their talents. What better way to end than by singing His wonderful works? Before the night fully came to a close, the teachers were presented with gifts and floral plants (jalapeno plants in Mr. March’s case) and a happy birthday song was sung for Mr. Jared March. Students and teachers were flooded with
compliments and praises as they walked back into the auditorium. Several said, “I can’t wait till the next concert!” and exclaimed “It was a blast as always!” As the flow of people slowly trickled out the door, goodbyes were said, congratulations given, and pictures snapped. And so ended another successful concert in Kalamazoo! All in all, the whole evening was full of
fun, excitement, with a some nervousness mixed in. Keep practicing, have a great summer, marchers have fun at Marching Band, and see you next semester!
Recent Northern Lights Chorale Activity
by Kristyn DeNooyer
"I think that was even better than last year!" was an overheard comment spoken by a sweet lady at one of the Northern Lights Chorale's recent performances. What a compliment!
The Chorale -- an audition-only vocal group composed of 20 students -- has been working hard all year, and has had the opportunity to sing at three different venues since September.
Their first performance was at a Naturalization Ceremony (in which foreign immigrants become citizens) held in downtown Grand Rapids. They sang the national anthem, which the presiding judge dubbed a "wonderful rendition", as well as "God Bless America", and the patriotic tune entitled "They Dared to Dream".
For their second performance, the Chorale made the annual drive to Kentwood Community Church to provide music for a midweek service. Alto AshleyGrace Stephenson stated that this performance was her favorite thus far "because it was familiar, people are so accepting, and they applaud a lot!"
Most recently, Northern Lights presented musical entertainment at a local Ladies Christmas Tea.
When asked how she felt the Chorale has progressed as a group since the first performance, alto Maggie Mulder shared her opinion. "I think our voices blend better."
Another alto, Kaylee Elder, added, "The four sections are more balanced now."
A general survey of the group indicated that the favorite performance songs of this year come to a close tie between "In Christ Alone" and "The Twelve Days of Christmas." The survey also revealed that most members of the group are greatly anticipating the upcoming Christmas Concert.
December 9
by Kristyn DeNooyer
"I think that was even better than last year!" was an overheard comment spoken by a sweet lady at one of the Northern Lights Chorale's recent performances. What a compliment!
The Chorale -- an audition-only vocal group composed of 20 students -- has been working hard all year, and has had the opportunity to sing at three different venues since September.
Their first performance was at a Naturalization Ceremony (in which foreign immigrants become citizens) held in downtown Grand Rapids. They sang the national anthem, which the presiding judge dubbed a "wonderful rendition", as well as "God Bless America", and the patriotic tune entitled "They Dared to Dream".
For their second performance, the Chorale made the annual drive to Kentwood Community Church to provide music for a midweek service. Alto AshleyGrace Stephenson stated that this performance was her favorite thus far "because it was familiar, people are so accepting, and they applaud a lot!"
Most recently, Northern Lights presented musical entertainment at a local Ladies Christmas Tea.
When asked how she felt the Chorale has progressed as a group since the first performance, alto Maggie Mulder shared her opinion. "I think our voices blend better."
Another alto, Kaylee Elder, added, "The four sections are more balanced now."
A general survey of the group indicated that the favorite performance songs of this year come to a close tie between "In Christ Alone" and "The Twelve Days of Christmas." The survey also revealed that most members of the group are greatly anticipating the upcoming Christmas Concert.
December 9
For New Students
by Robby Lamie
You are running to the door of the Homeschool Building, realizing you have three minutes to get to class. You’re starting to panic and you can feel the heartbeat in your chest. Thump thump, thump thump Turning to the right side of the building you head down the ominously long hallway to your classroom. Thump thump, thump thump Gotta check the right number... alright this is it, your first class! Thump thump, thump thump AAAHHH!!! Wait! Do you have your music and instrument? Alright, good, looks like you do. You reach for the stainless steel handle of the door, it feels cool to the touch, like you’re the last one to show up. Thump thump, thump thump Entering the room, you find it’s full of kids waiting for the class to begin. Scurrying to the back of the room you quickly grab your instrument and book, then start heading to your chair. WAIT! Gotta grab that pencil for taking notes. Thump thump, thump thump Looking around you don’t see anyone you know and you start to panic that you’re not going to play well, that you won’t get to know any kids that like the same things you do…
AND GUESS WHAT?! No worries, you’re going to play great, you’re going to meet new friends and have a blast this year!
Welcome one and all to the 2013 WMHFA fall semester! If you are a returning band, orchestra, or choir student, we are pleased (hopefully) to see your bright familiar faces! Make sure that you help those first year kids that are nervous for the first few weeks. If you felt like the little kid up above, then you know what it might feel like to them! So make sure to give them an encouraging word, a little nudge in the right direction and answer any questions that they may have.
And for you wonderful first year students, welcome as well! We know that your first day here might be a little hectic, but never fear! All of the older kids that you see going around the hallways to their classes were more than likely in your shoes too, so don’t be afraid to ask one of them for a step in the right direction, or a helping hand with some of those band supplies!
Have a wonderful year WMHFA, and can’t wait to see the talent you guys will shine before God, and the world!
September 14
AND GUESS WHAT?! No worries, you’re going to play great, you’re going to meet new friends and have a blast this year!
Welcome one and all to the 2013 WMHFA fall semester! If you are a returning band, orchestra, or choir student, we are pleased (hopefully) to see your bright familiar faces! Make sure that you help those first year kids that are nervous for the first few weeks. If you felt like the little kid up above, then you know what it might feel like to them! So make sure to give them an encouraging word, a little nudge in the right direction and answer any questions that they may have.
And for you wonderful first year students, welcome as well! We know that your first day here might be a little hectic, but never fear! All of the older kids that you see going around the hallways to their classes were more than likely in your shoes too, so don’t be afraid to ask one of them for a step in the right direction, or a helping hand with some of those band supplies!
Have a wonderful year WMHFA, and can’t wait to see the talent you guys will shine before God, and the world!
September 14
WMHFA Community
Kristyn DeNooyer
WMHFA is an excellent Fine Arts program. It offers classes that enhance learning and equip budding musicians. But WMHFA is more than that. It's a community.
Take it from this slightly sentimental and nearly nostalgic senior - WMHFA is more than music. You can't attend here for any given length of time without walking away with new relationships. Whether it be with your favorite instructor or stand partner, your competition or the girl whose flag seems to have a magnetic pull in your general direction, your quartet members or the people who have social hall the same time as you - you're given the opportunity to work with people to create beautiful sounds and images. And, hopefully, you survive that experience and come out as friends!
Community is a wonderful, God-glorifying thing ("Let us not give up meeting together, as some are in the habit of doing, but let us encourage one another daily, and all the more as we see the day approaching." Hebrews 10:25) and one of the ways the community of WMHFA thrives is through the student Prayer Group. At approximately 8:36 each Wednesday morning, the basketball bouncing in the gym is subdued by the "Prayer Time!" announcement, and a faithful few will drop their conversations and head down to Room 9 . From 8:40-9:00am , they will have a short devotion, share their praises and requests with one another, and spend focused time lifting individuals and situations up to the Lord. It's a fantastic time of fellowship with friends before the day gets rolling, and a beautiful and encouraging way to live out the command given to us in Philippians 4:6: "Do not be anxious about anything, but in everything, by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving, present your requests to God."
So, students, what are you doing at 8:40 Wednesday morning? Could you postpone your card game or leave home ten minutes earlier to make it in time for Prayer Group?
You are more than welcome!
Come, grow, intercede, and discover exactly how WMHFA is more than music. You will be blessed.
September 14
Take it from this slightly sentimental and nearly nostalgic senior - WMHFA is more than music. You can't attend here for any given length of time without walking away with new relationships. Whether it be with your favorite instructor or stand partner, your competition or the girl whose flag seems to have a magnetic pull in your general direction, your quartet members or the people who have social hall the same time as you - you're given the opportunity to work with people to create beautiful sounds and images. And, hopefully, you survive that experience and come out as friends!
Community is a wonderful, God-glorifying thing ("Let us not give up meeting together, as some are in the habit of doing, but let us encourage one another daily, and all the more as we see the day approaching." Hebrews 10:25) and one of the ways the community of WMHFA thrives is through the student Prayer Group. At approximately 8:36 each Wednesday morning, the basketball bouncing in the gym is subdued by the "Prayer Time!" announcement, and a faithful few will drop their conversations and head down to Room 9 . From 8:40-9:00am , they will have a short devotion, share their praises and requests with one another, and spend focused time lifting individuals and situations up to the Lord. It's a fantastic time of fellowship with friends before the day gets rolling, and a beautiful and encouraging way to live out the command given to us in Philippians 4:6: "Do not be anxious about anything, but in everything, by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving, present your requests to God."
So, students, what are you doing at 8:40 Wednesday morning? Could you postpone your card game or leave home ten minutes earlier to make it in time for Prayer Group?
You are more than welcome!
Come, grow, intercede, and discover exactly how WMHFA is more than music. You will be blessed.
September 14
WMHFA News
by Josiah March
What is WMHFA News? WMHFA News is a new resource of WMHFA media. This resource will include videos and audio of WMHFA performances, "News" style videos of current WMHFA events, and articles written about current WMHFA events and other relevant topics. The cool thing about WMHFA News is that it was created and is run almost exclusively by WMHFA students. The purpose for the WMHFA News is to expand the homeschool music program in an entertaining and enlightening way to increase awareness of things that takes place in and around WMHFA. If you as a student would like to write an article for the WMHFA Empirical, talk to Jack Mennega on Wednesdays; if you would like to be a part of the WMHFA Action News video broadcasts, talk to Josiah March, Hannah Mennega, Clayton Haverdink, or Robby Lamie on Wednesdays. We sincerely hope you will thoroughly enjoy the resources offered by WMHFA News.
September 8, 2013
September 8, 2013