Beth Kimball

Sat, Feb 18, 2012 : 11:57 a.m.

What a fantastic night at Hill Auditorium. Thank you Ann Arbor Public Schools for supporting such a quality music program. I am happy to have my tax dollars used for this type of endeavor. Thank you to Jay MacArthur and Abby Alwin who continue to strive for excellence in music at Clague.

John Turck III

Fri, Feb 17, 2012 : 11:33 p.m.

Memo to the Board of Directors and Administration of Ann Arbor Public Schools Subject: Music Department/Programs For those of you who attended 2012 Orchestra Night, I trust you enjoyed the outstanding performances AND got the message: Ann Arbor highly values its music programs. Support this exemplary and in-demand service of the school system. Protect it from further reductions. You also might spend some time studying and considering why the Music Department is so successful and how its methods and results can be duplicated in other areas you administer. Did you see the numbers? Incredible student-musician participation, and this did not include other orchestras at the schools, or choirs, or bands. Did you see Hill Auditorium filled to near capacity by parents, siblings, grandparents, and friends of the performers? Did you hear the quality? If you do not consider yourself a music "expert," a quick check with knowledgeable authorities outside the area will confirm how advanced Ann Arbor school orchestras are, whatever their grade level. Do not forget about the recent, repeat Grammy awards for Pioneer and Huron. But did you know that these school orchestras were considered among a handful in the nation to be the very best, long before the recording industry introduced its award program. The Music Department, its students, and their families have made it easy for you. As leaders, please recognize that Ann Arbor Public School's music programs are a jewel of the system, a distinction recognized by many. Be very proud of what has been built over time. It is your responsibility to nurture and preserve this valued, valuable asset for our children. John Turck III Ann Arbor

BhavanaJagat

Fri, Feb 17, 2012 : 5:24 p.m.

Ann Arbor Public Schools Orchestra Night at Hill Auditorium : Thanks for sharing these images. I love these Orchestra Nights at Hill Auditorium. It gives a great feeling when students perform in that beautiful auditorium. My son played Cello while he studied at Slauson, Pioneer and Huron High School. He had participated in these events and they are indeed very special. Hearty Congratulations to all the participants and my thanks to all of our Music teachers both past and present.

Usual Suspect

Fri, Feb 17, 2012 : 4:02 p.m.

Pioneer's selection, and their performance of it, was fantastic. I'm very proud of my Alma Mater. It was not an easy piece, and by far not a typical or traditional piece.

Andrew Thomas

Fri, Feb 17, 2012 : 3:11 p.m.

I cannot begin to express how proud I am of all our orchestras. Our three high school orchestras all demonstrated an exceptional level of musicianship while covering some of the best-loved and most difficult pieces available. The middle school orchestras also played very well, and will provide strong musicians for the high school ensembles for many years to come. The performing arts are alive and well in the Ann Arbor Public Schools, and anyone who didn't attend this concert missed a real treat.