Lively sounds will be in the air for a combined Spring Performing Arts Concert in Oak Ridge in celebration of Tennessee Arts Advocacy Day 2026!  You are invited to hear whimsical selections that range from classical to contemporary, from Oak Ridge High School’s Choral Ensemble, Band, and Orchestra.  Junior Band and Orchestra counterparts are joining them on the stage from both Robertsville and Jefferson Middle Schools.

The concert is planned for 7:00 pm on Thursday, March 12, at the Oak Ridge Performing Arts Center at 1450 Oak Ridge Turnpike.

This spring concert is the culmination of classroom learning by multiple school music groups, giving students the opportunity for performance experience.  Expect to hear everything from the prayerful Ave Maria to life depicted as a carnival by Dvořák, and be ready for a spirited visit to the Scottish Highlands as well as a popular Sousa march!

Thanks to these directors and support staff for their coordination and work with the students:

  • ORHS Choral Ensemble – Director Amanda Ragan
  • ORHS Orchestra — Director Carlos Hernandez-Baez
  • ORHS Concert Band – Director Michael Spirko
  • RMS Orchestra – Director Jane Francis
  • RMS Band – Director Ahsia Spencer
  • JMS Orchestra – Director Erin Bray
  • JMS Band – Director Alex Cantrell

“This program is an incredible challenge for our students,” said Orchestra Director Hernandez-Baez. “Moving from the classical precision of Dvořák to the complex, modern rhythms of Avi Dorman requires a high level of maturity. It’s a thrill to see them bring these diverse cultures and eras together.”

Choral Director Ragan said, “This is a wonderful season for collaboration on stage, and for all of our students to shine!”

“Middle schoolers get the opportunity to step up alongside their high school counterparts,” said Band Director Spirko, “to share the stage at this concert and gain a greater appreciation for what can be accomplished in large band and orchestra groups.”

Tickets are $5 for adults and $1 for students.  Auditorium doors open for seating at 6:40 pm on Thursday.  Concessions will be available during the 6 o’clock hour.

Choral Program Highlights:

  • May a Rainbow Run Beside You (Mark Burrows)
  • Jubilate Deo (Michael John Trotta)
  • Sing We and Chant It (Thomas Morley

Orchestra Program Highlights:

  • Brandenburg Concerto No. 3 (J.S. Bach / Arr. Isaac).
  • Carnival Overture, Op. 92 (Antonín Dvořák
  • Miriam Danced by the Red Sea (Avi Dorman)
  • A Bridgewater Serenade (Eduard Martin)

Band Program Highlights:

  • Ruckus (Randall Standridge)
  • Fairest of the Fair (John Phillip Sousa)
  • Where Never Lark or Eagle Flew (James Curnow)

Connect here with Oak Ridge Schools. For more information about this event, contact imjacobohernandez@ortn.edu.

Anne Brock-Rankin is a feature writer for KnoxTNToday.

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