Community Orchestra Thrives with Bold Contemporary Compositions

The Sedona Community and Youth Orchestra (SCYO) captivated the audience during its annual spring concert at the Sedona Performing Arts Center on April 29. Co-founders Kristina Beachell and Courtney Yeates led the orchestra in a performance titled “From Mozart to Magic: A Musical Rainbow.” For this event, the SCYO collaborated with several musicians from Flagstaff, enhancing the experience.

This year’s concert featured a more concise program than previous years, focusing solely on ensemble pieces without individual solos or duos. Though primarily a string orchestra, the addition of timpani and a drum kit added depth to the sound. The concert commenced with Yeates conducting Brian Balmages’ piece “Spartacus,” featuring a rich woody tone that benefited from the guest cellists.

The orchestra’s interpretation of Rossini’s overture from “William Tell” maintained a slower tempo but highlighted the string arrangement, allowing the audience to appreciate the music’s nuances better. The performers displayed growing confidence as they progressed through the piece.

Under Beachell’s direction, the orchestra revisited selections from John Williams’ beloved Harry Potter films, starting with “Hedwig’s Theme,” accompanied by piano and strings. This was followed by “Harry’s Wondrous World,” showcasing a warm musical synergy. Two contemporary works by Kirt Mosier and Danny Elfman added variety, with Mosier’s “Waltz of the Wicked” striking a balance of energetic shrillness, especially from the bass section.

The arrangement of the “Alice in Wonderland” theme lifted the concert’s energy, demonstrating robust tonal qualities and precision. Cody McKesson, a local orchestra teacher, enhanced the rhythm with his dual role on drums, enriching the overall sound.

Beachell also guided the orchestra through four selections by Mozart, including excerpts from the film “Amadeus.” The musicians delivered a spirited performance of the “Confutatis” from the Requiem Mass, followed by a compelling rendition of Symphony No. 25 that built tempo effectively, engaging the audience.

Yeates addressed the four pieces by Edvard Grieg from “Peer Gynt.” “Morning” showcased impressive layering and culminated in a flourish from concertmaster Vincent Smith-Shayawatt. “Aase’s Death” conveyed deep emotion, highlighting the orchestra’s ability to connect even in somber themes. The cohesive response of the orchestra became evident as Yeates’ conducting style evolved, leading to a coherent sound in “Anitra’s Dance” and a shorter yet lively performance of “Hall of the Mountain King.”

The concert concluded with a rendition of “Over the Rainbow,” where the violinists displayed improved technique and dynamic contrast between bowing and pizzicato. The audience left with a sense of progress and enjoyment, echoing sentiments from the animated film “Robin Hood,” where characters acknowledge improvement: “They are getting better.”

The SCYO’s performance reflected noticeable enhancements in their playing, particularly in lower ranges, while maintaining a balanced sound. As the musicians gained speed, their overall execution improved, supporting theories that the essence of a piece reveals its rightful tempo. The Sedona community orchestra appears to be on a promising path to musical excellence.