We have all heard “Those who can, do; those who can’t, teach.” But if you attended the Sunday, March 6th performances at the Ponca City Concert Hall, you’ll know that many musicians right here in our community can do both!

Directors, former directors and former students of Ponca City High School gave outstanding performances in a wonderful afternoon of music. The Ponca City Chamber Ensemble was featured in a variety of music both old and new. Paula Cochran, Director of PoHi Orchestras and District Instrumental Music Coordinator assembled members Jaryd Hinch, Jenna Wynes, Katie Rolf, Dan Larson, Cassidy Broome and Ella Gordan for the March Concert of the Ponca City Federated Music Club. Originally intended as a featured concert for its 100th anniversary in 2021, COVID issues made a postponement necessary. But the quality of professionalism and versatile programming made this concert well worth the wait!

The Chamber Ensemble opened with the dramatic Overture to “The Rival Sisters” by Henry Purcell followed by The Idylls of Pegasus by Richard Meyer (my personal favorite). The surprise ending of Joseph Haydn’s Farewell Symphony brought enthusiastic applause from the audience. Music from the movies “Pride and Prejudice” and “Titanic” and the De Beers

“A Diamond is Forever” commercial interspersed with music by the master composers Gustav Holst and Gioacchino Rossini provided the right mixture for an entertaining program.

Also contributing to this excellent program were Dineo Heilmann, former Director of Bands for Ponca City Public Schools and Andrew Orr, Percussion Coordinator and Assistant Band Director. Mr. Heilmann performed the Larghetto movement from Mozart’s Clarinet Quintet in A. His excellent performance with the String Ensemble was enhanced by the well-designed acoustics in the performance hall. Andrew Orr wowed the audience by playing the Prelude from S. Bach’s Cello Suite No. 1 on the marimba with four mallets - two in each hand.

Ponca City is fortunate to have such talented teachers and musicians in our community.

What a delight to see students and their parents in the audience supporting their music educators. Ponca City Federated Music Club members and citizens provided a large supportive crowd. The PCFMC will continue to provide worthwhile performances, music education activities and scholarships in the next 100 years!

Music is the international language. Perhaps that’s what the world needs now - more music and more people making music because music makes memories. Thanks for the memory of this outstanding concert!