The Greeley West performing arts programs ended their concert season last week.  Here’s a round-up:  

Orchestra

Greeley West High School’s orchestra graduates leave the 2023-2024 school year with an outstanding performance. Last Thursday, senior graduates ended their last concert with a slideshow of their achievements, advice, and plans. 

Orchestra graduates will continue into their future with the skills and dedication they have learned from the orchestra program.

Orchestra sponsor Mr. Thomas Nugent is proud of the achievements and hard work the graduating class has had. “I think that this senior class is super strong and independent. I think that the seniors are very resilient. I am proud of the pride they take in the program. I am proud of the excitement that they have for the underclassmen. Their last concert was really amazing, I’m kind of sad because they sounded great and now they have to graduate,” Nugent expressed. 

The underclassmen are going to miss the senior’s presence in the music program next year. “The seniors were very kind. People in the orchestra are the smartest people I know, especially in this graduating class. They love being involved and getting to know new people. They really are just great people,” sophomore Calvin Long shared.

Senior and bassist Eryln Heredia Pena shares some advice for upcoming orchestra students. “Make sure to practice. If you want to continue playing in orchestra it becomes extremely beneficial if you practice a lot. It’s also really fun, going to trips like Grand Junction are the best memories I have in this program,” she shared. 

Greeley West is honored to share a legacy with the graduating class of 2024 as well as continue the orchestra program with new members in the fall. Congratulations to Adrian Bolton, Juan Chaparro, Josh Rascon, Sabine Mundt, Max Finley, Olivia Ruiz, Tea Hayden, Erelyn Heredia Pena, and Lida Uribe for your dedication to the orchestra program.

Band

Greeley West High School’s graduating band seniors leave their jazz and wind ensemble legacy with one last performance Their last concert was last Wednesday and was one to remember. 

The band program has numerous instruments and experiences for students to experience. The graduating class urges underclassmen to get involved and will miss their program in the future.

This year was band sponsor Mr. Keaton Michael’s first year at Greeley West. He only got to spend one year with this year’s graduating class but will miss their hard work tremendously. “I’ll miss the seniors’ love and support of greatness. They have so much passion for the program. They always wanted the best quality of music. This was a hard year for them, the transition of new band teachers was some getting used to. I appreciate the support that they gave me,” 

Performing arts students have learned a lot from the band’s senior class. “I’m actually an orchestra student but I have so much love for the band program. The performing arts students get to become really close with one another because of our shared passion and love of music. We also get to go on trips together, which makes us all bond and connect with each other. I will miss the seniors, they are great people and have played a huge part in my music experience,” sophomore Zachary McGonigal shared. 

Senior Lida De Los Santos shared advice for upcoming band students. “Just have fun. Make sure to bring lots of sunscreen when you go on field trips,” she stated. De Los Santos plans to attend the University of Northern Colorado to get her bachelor’s in criminology and minor in forensic science.

Congratulations to Adrian Bolton, Theodore Hirsch, Aliyah Leos Martinez, Brianna Rodriguez Ramos, Brennan Truitt, Nevaeh Barreras-Molina, Lida De Los Santos, Lenna Martinez, Herin Merino, Sarahy Montanzez, Landyn Nickell, and Alejandra Villalba Marquez for all your outstanding performances and dedication to Greeley West’s band program.

Choir

Greeley West High School says bye to yet another choir chapter. 2024 choir graduates sang an outstanding high school concert last Tuesday, the last one of their high school career. 

Choir sponsor Ms. Rosie O’Conner and Greeley West’s choir students are going to miss each and every choir graduate. 

O’Conner is extremely proud of all of the hardworking seniors and will miss their excellence. “We have made a lot of progress in the last two years. I will miss their energy and enthusiasm. They always kept it real and always wanted to create excellence,” she expressed. 

Underclassmen in the choir program are excited to see their role models graduate and progress in their futures, even if it means they have to leave Greeley West behind. “I learned a lot from the graduating seniors, a lot of them are really great role models. They were just so welcoming and considerate of everyone in the group. They made the class so warm and friendly, their presence will definitely be missed,” sophomore Fatima Lone shared. 

Senior Samara Sanchez shares advice to future choir students. “Choir will be a lot better if you behave. It’s a lot of fun but you also have to take it seriously, just work hard and you will get so much out of it,” she shared. Sanchez is going on to the University of Northern Colorado to major in vocal performance and sociology. 

Greeley West is proud to call these seniors forever spartans. Congratulations to Deondre Caldera, Adrian Bolton, Lorenza Quintana, Sarahy Montanez-Alverez, Aspyn Hikida, Sara Ensinia, Azzy Hernandez, Samara Sanchez, Isabella Salazar, Krystal Vigil, and Akam Chahal for all your hard work and dedication to the choir program.