AGBU Vatche & Tamar Manoukian High School

On January 20, 2010 AGBU High School – Pasadena presented its first ever Visual Performing Arts Showcase. This performance featured sthe Band, Dance, and Choir Departments.

 

After a brief introduction and welcome by Dr. Talin Kargodorian, Mr. Kristoffer Naggy, the Music and Band Director of the school introduced the band. He explained to the audience that four months ago these students began learning how o holed the instrument properly and make "sounds." Now, after just one semester, they have acheived a level of proficiency which enables them to read music and play beautifully.

 

Following Mr. Naggy’s introduction, the 13-member band performed three songs. Music from instruments including the flute, clarinet, trumpet, bass clarinet, euphonium, tenor saxophone, electric bass, and percussion filled the room with delightful and awe- inspiring sound. Throughout the entire performance the students displayed professional demeanor, musicianship, and stage etiquette.

 

After the band, the Dance Department presented two original numbers, choreographed by the dance instructor, Ms. Armine Movsisyan. With only one semester of dance instruction, members of the ensemble--who had no dance background participated gracefully in two performances.

 

The first dance number was a lyrical jazz piece set during autumn to the song, “Autumn” by Paolo Nutini. The second dance was a modern Armenian piece dedicated to the preservation of Armenian culture in the Diaspora and was performed to Anush and Inga’s “Menk Enk Mer Sarere.”

 

The last portion of the evening, was devoted to a showcase by the nine member student school choir, under the direction of Mr. Norayr Daduryan. In his introduction of the choir, Mr. Daduryan thanked the young singers for their love of Armenian music. He expressed his belief that the spirited Armenian popular songs in the program whcih have been speaking directly to Armenian hearts for generations, would continue to do so through the love and care of the younger generation.

 

During the performance, the choir presented eight Armenian art and folk songs from various composers. Each piece represented various time periods that stretched from the 18th to the 20th centuries.

 

Pianist Alik Barsoumian accompanied the choir, and 9th grader Andrew Tavukjian joined them on the clarinet for two of the songs. The concert ended with great enthusiasm from the audience, which eagerly sang the last song “Hayeren Gerkenk”, with the choir.

 

After all the performances, Dr. Talin Kargodorian congratulated the three teachers and the hard work each dedicated to the music program. She also praised the students for the progress they displayed and stated that she is excited for the Spring semester Visual Performing Arts Showcase.

 

The evening ended with a few words from Board Member, Dr. Berjouhi Koukeyan. She thanked each teacher and specifically discussed improvements and milestones of each department. Dr. Koukeyan also stated that the Board will continue their commitment of providing resources and support to ensure that the visual performing arts department continues to grow.

 

During the second semester, the students will continue to enrich and expand their knowledge in these performing arts. In just one semester, the students demonstrated much progress and capably performed excellent pieces at the showcase. The departments will continue to focus on these notable accomplishments as AGBU High School - Pasadena continues to build and strengthen its visual performing arts program.

See More Pictures Here