On Thursday, March 31st, Triad Math & Science Academy High Schoolers presented their Spring Concert.
They presented 6 of Michael Jackson's chart-topping hits, ranging from 1969's "ABC" to 1988's "Man In the Mirror." Mighty Roar's Director Kristi Engelbrecht (aka Ms. E.) says of the band, "Our students have overcome enormous obstacles, from deaths in the family, to Covid-related, long-term absences, just to present a light-hearted, fun concert that brought back great memories for some, and introduced new songs to the younger generation."
Performing in front of peers and parents, the band includes guitarists, keyboardists, vocalists, bassists, and drummers. Using the Modern Band Model from Little Kids Rock, students learn how to play music before they can even read it.
Ms. E. encourages her older students to mentor the newer students as they learn everything from jazz, to rock, to R&B.
Ms. E, a U.S. Air Force Band vocal soloist, says this has changed the way she teaches all her classes; allowing students to determine what music they do, as well as creating the arrangements. Several students received recognition, including Skylor Katiman, who has been in the program for several years, even expanding his knowledge base by passing the AP Music Theory Exam.
Katiman, a senior, received the 2021-2022 Director's Award for outstanding achievement.
For information about the Mighty Roar Bands and Choirs, please contact Kristi Engelbrecht at [email protected].