On Wednesday, November 11, Twin Falls High School will host its fourth annual Veterans Day concert, bringing together the school’s band, choir and orchestra for a single, community‑focused performance. The event, held at the Roeper Auditorium at 7 p.m., is designed to honor the men and women who have served the nation, with free admission for veterans.
Students share why the concert matters
During a rehearsal, violinist Sage Tubbs explained the power of the combined ensembles. “I like hearing all the parts interact because it sounds kind of awful when it’s not paired with band and choir, but when they’re all together, it’s way more fun,” she said, noting the special energy of pieces like “Battle Hymn of the Republic.”
Orchestra Director John Mark Shipley emphasized the gratitude behind the event. “We wanted to respect and show honor to the veterans in our community while playing some music,” he said, underscoring the concert’s purpose as a tribute rather than a routine school recital.
Learning teamwork and personal growth
Cellist Isabella Heaps highlighted the lesson in teamwork the collaboration provides. “Everyone plays their own instrument, but if you’re perfectly in tune with just yourself, you’re not in town with everyone else, so you have to work together to get the best sound,” she explained, pointing to the broader values of cooperation and unity.
For many students, music has become a central part of daily life. Aidan Lancaster shared his personal journey, saying, “I started orchestra just to be with my brother, but now it’s such a big part of my day‑to‑day life. I don’t know what I would do without it.”
Music as a source of healing
Choir Director Daniel Child described how music can reach veterans in ways words sometimes cannot. “It’s a way to connect emotions that are often difficult to express,” he said. He added, “If a veteran comes to the concert and needs closure or a little light in their life, we can share that healing power through music.”
The concert will feature a medley of American folk tunes and time‑honored patriotic songs, creating a familiar and uplifting atmosphere for both veterans and the broader community.
Community support and attendance
Local residents are encouraged to attend and show their support for the veterans and the student musicians. The event reflects Twin Falls’ strong tradition of honoring service members and fostering youth involvement in civic life.
Admission is free for veterans, and the school hopes the concert will serve as a meaningful reminder of the sacrifices made by those who defended the nation’s freedoms.
Looking ahead
Organizers view the concert as a growing tradition that strengthens ties between the school, its students, and the veteran community. As the program continues to evolve, participants anticipate expanding the repertoire and outreach, ensuring that future generations of students and veterans alike can share in this special celebration of gratitude and unity.
Original reporting: KIVI Idaho News 6 Boise metro (local) — read the source article.
