BRIDGEPORT – The promising musicians at Bridgeport Exempted Village School District played to a packed house of parents and families during the music department’s spring band concert May 12.
Band director Kyle Turley, now in his second year at Bridgeport Schools, greeted the district community that turned out for the performance. He challenged his students with some more complicated pieces this year and they rose to the occasion.
The fifth and sixth-grade bands started the night off. Students took turns at the microphone describing the music. The fifth graders played some traditional folk melodies that also laid the foundations of performing together. The sixth graders performed atmospheric pieces that exercised their talents while creating a fun mood.
The fourth graders enjoyed playing their recorders and the experience has given them early experience of life in the music program, including reading, writing and performing music.
The seventh through 12th graders in the high school concert band closed out with classic Celtic songs, then “Chorale from Jupiter,” and “Ancient Moon.” Students said the performances called on them to create a mysterious and powerful mood using bold harmonies and dramatic, dynamic changes. They explored tone and expression while creating a strong sense of atmosphere.
Turley commended his students as they concluded the evening.
“I’m so proud of them and the band and I’m so proud of all the band and the instrumental music program.”
Afterward, he said the band students are ready and eager to put in the work.
“We’re really stepped it up this year, especially with the high school group,” he said. “All the other groups are doing well too. I see growth every day. We’re going to continue to grow in any way that we can.”
Turley added the music program’s outreach to the fourth graders has sparked interest among the younger Bulldogs, with many deciding to go in for band.
“We have upcoming about 22 band members for fifth grade band for next year,” he said. “It’s a great number.”
He is planning more activities for next school year.
“There’s greatness in our future.”
Turley and the band also bid a bittersweet farewell to the two seniors, Kyra Whitmore and Lucas Kurner. They will always have a home at Bridgeport Schools.
“I’ve seen how hardworking these two individuals are,” he said. “On behalf of the band and the band boosters, we wish you best of luck.”
Afterward, Lucas said the music program imparted some valuable skills about working with people, putting aside their differences to make the best performance possible.
“Just how to talk to people, whether you know them or not.”
Kyra said the experience will be one to remember.
“It was very fun to be in, and I hope I can pass that on when I go to a college in the future.”
Lucas also plans on pursuing music in his personal life following high school.
They said the music program has a promising future. Kyra was excited for what young Bridgeport musicians will be doing, and praised Turley’s direction.
“It’s awesome. He’s been a great teacher to us.”
