~Photo by Ashley Troutman Ashley Troutman The Somerville High School Auditorium was nearly full last Thursday during the Annual Spring All-City Elementary Concert. Hundreds of local children have been studying music during school for this event. Richard Saunders, Director of Music, said, "We take students from chorus, orchestra, and band from around the city. We like to have every school represented in the ensembles. We have one concert in the winter and one in the spring." The evening began with the All-City Elementary Chorus' rendition of "Toccata for Voices." The 46 children, directed by Beverly Mosby, then wooed the crowd with "Let My People Go," followed by "Iko Iko."

The All-City Chamber Strings is the only ensemble that combines advanced elementary and high school students. The group of 11 performed "Eine Kleine Nachtmusik," "Sicilienne," and "Por Una Cabeza."

Rosemary Sears, band teacher, directed the Beginner's Band with the help of Richard Romanoff. Made up of more than 13 flute, 18 clarinet, 16 saxophone, 18 trumpet, 4 trombone, and 7 percussion students, the band played popular folk songs, "Hot Cross Buns" and "Frere Jacques," among others. Sears often turned to the crowd appreciatively, thanking them for their attendance, and complimenting her students.

The High School Jazz Band and the All City Chorus delighted the crowd with "I've Gotta Feeling" by the Black Eyed Peas. The chorus also paired with the All-City Band to perform "Peace Like a River."

The All-City Band then continued to play, "Down by the Riverside," the theme from the movie, "Transformers," and "Supercalifragilisticexpialidocious," from "Mary Poppins."

The Chamber Winds, a highly developed group, ended the show with the "Hawaii Five-O Theme," "Mah-Na Mah-Na," from "The Muppet Show," and the classic, "Bohemian Rhapsody." A refreshment stand stood outside of the auditorium, prizes were raffled off, and donations were accepted for the music department.

Saunders said, "My favorite part is watching rehearsal. Usually I go to the first rehearsal, and then the week of the concert, I watch them practice and am amazed at the accomplishments these kids have made in such a limited amount of time."

The Somerville High School Spring Concert is their next musical, scheduled for May 6.