Sandra Hughes
Special to the Sun

The parking lot at Kern Valley High School was full last Thursday night, but the crowd wasn’t there for a basketball game or soccer tournament. Instead, more than 250 students, parents, and community members came to the Fine Arts Building for a cultural event. The occasion, a combination musical performance, spaghetti dinner, and art show put on by the Musique Club, the FFA, and the Library Media Center, was a wonderful opportunity for the musical and artistic talents of Kern Valley’s students and community to shine.

On one side of the building, visitors could view the winning entries from the recent FFA, “Spring Fever” student and community art show. There were three main categories in the art show: Floral Design, Pencil Sketch, and Black and White Photography. A bright array of flowers drew the attention of many spectators in the section for Floral Design. KVHS student Tiffany Henry received first place on two of her floral entries, a round floral centerpiece and a “Spring Fever” themed floral piece. Both pieces featured bright colors and attractive symmetric designs.

The Kern Valley High School bands entertained the overflow crowd during dinner with a variety of numbers they dilgently practiced for months.

For the Pencil Sketch Category, Dylan Melisko won first place with his imaginative and surrealistic drawing. There were many thought-provoking entries, and most of them had to do with fantasy as well as re-thinking the world around us. In the Black and White Photography category, community member MaryAnn Ryan won first place with a very detailed close-up of a sunflower with a bee sitting on it. In the student category of Black and White photography, Taylor Williams won first place for his photo of a female surfer on the beach. Most of the photos submitted used topics like nature, interesting architecture, and animals. All of the art was enjoyable and intriguing. The only detail which would have enhanced the art experience would have been including titles for all the contestant’s pieces. Perhaps that will be included in next year’s art show.

During the course of the spaghetti dinner the Beginning Band, the Advanced Band, the Drum-line, and the Mixed Choir performed. Melissa Salguiero, their director, has worked with the groups for months preparing them for this performance. This is Salguiero’s first year as the music teacher at Kern Valley High School. She was raised in South Kentucky, but moved to California as an adult and commutes daily from Bakersfield. She has several years of prior experience teaching music. Salguiero’s explanation between each group was entertaining, and it was easy to see that the students are lucky to have such an energetic, vivacious director.

The Drum-line was particularly notable because not only did they play the drums rousingly, they moved in synchronized formation at the same time. They marched around the stage rhythmically, carrying their weighty 12-to-20-pound instruments in an entertaining spectacle. The bands sounded lovely, especially their rendition of the beautiful folk melody, “You Raise Me Up.” The voices in the mixed choir were clear, melodic, and expressive. Their song, “Dust in the Wind,” was particularly haunting.

KUSD Superintendent Mary Barlow attended the event. Her two sons, Ryan and Matt Barlow sang in the choir. She stated, “I’m so proud of them, this has been very rewarding for them. I hope to see this program grow.”

The dinner itself was served by cheerful and polite students under the supervision of librarian Pam Fischer. The students handled the lengthy line with efficiency and poise. KVHS Assistant Principal, John Brown, was pleased with the huge turn-out. With a smile, Brown stated, “The students did a great job and we had great support from the community; we are very proud of what our school has accomplished in the music and art program.” On a similar note, Patricia Clark, a well-known math teacher at the high school as well as the Activities Director said, “It’s such a pleasure to see the growth in a program that’s enjoyable to listen to and to watch.”

Everyone who attended the event went away with full stomachs and a pleasurable memory of beautiful music and art. The students seemed satisfied with themselves and enthusiastic about their upcoming concert in May. Matt Couch, a choir student, commented, “I feel that I’ve learned a lot. Mrs. Salguiero is always so encouraging.” If you missed this year’s music and art event, don’t despair; the Musique Club and FFA intend to have a similar event next spring. For more information about upcoming Kern Valley High Scool events, visit the website at http://www.khsd.k12.ca.us/kernvalley/.