Playing Like Pros

Parents who want to inspire their kids to appreciate good music can take the family to the Granada Hills Spring Concert tonight.

This is no folding-chairs-in-the-auditorium event. The concert will be at the CSUN Performing Arts Center, a venue that hosts internationally acclaimed artists.

The Granada Hills High School program will feature a full concert band, two jazz bands, brass, woodwind, guitar ensembles and a few choirs. Nearly 245 students will perform an eclectic array of jazz and classical music. If that sounds like a big production for a public school, it is. But it is also the result of a long-growing, grass-roots movement by band parents at Granada Hills High to continually improve the quality of the school’s music and performances.

Band parents have raised $58,000 this year through private donations, fund-raising and a fee of $150 paid by each band member, said Edward Koprowski, treasurer for the association.

“Seeing live music and how the individuals react to the music and the emotion that is portrayed by the performer--I think they’ll find it intriguing,” said the director of the school’s bands, Al Nelson. “That, coupled with the quality of the presentation, will surprise them.”

Audiences also may be surprised to hear the different layers of sounds in the band and watch musicians assert themselves through their instruments.

Mark Chipella, 17, a drummer, said he practices about four hours a day and plays in several different bands.

“It expands my thinking skills, and helps me focus,” said Chipella, who wants to play professionally.

Anthony Atherton, 18, a trumpet player in the jazz band, said he also practices about four hours a day.

“It’s a way of forgetting about everything else,” said the aspiring physicist. “It helps with other classes and clears my mind. It’s a way to release all the stress.”

For Kassandra Perez, 17, playing flute and clarinet in the band has helped her obtain an academic scholarship at CSUN.

“Music was a huge part of that scholarship,” she said. “It placed me above other students. They were looking for well-rounded students.”

BE THERE

Granada Hills Spring Concert, 7:30 tonight at CSUN Performing Arts Center, 18111 Nordhoff St., Northridge. Tickets can be purchased at the door. Adults $7, students $3. (818) 360-2361, Ext. 395.