Photos and article by Jacob Williams
​On Wednesday, December 11th at 6:30, Doug Hansen and the students in the 8th and 9th grade Orchestras put on a phenomenal concert. After tuning carefully, the talented young musicians opened with “Opus 39 No. 2”, by Jacques Féréol Mazas (arranged by Rothrock), which is a suite with three movements: Allegro maestoso, Andante, and Allegro. Next, a compilation (by Monday) of Irish folk songs introduced by the Violins and Cellos, the 8th graders played “For the Star of County Down”. 
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Sadly, the Ukrainian student who would have conducted for Carol of the Bells (arr. Hopkins), which is also known as “Ukrainian Bell Carol”, was not able to be with us, but the Orchestra played their third song terrifically nonetheless. Lastly, they played “Season’s Greetings”, a collection of beloved Christmas hymns and carols by Dickson. You did an amazing job, 8th grade Orchestra!

After the first part of the concert, the 8th graders sat down and the 9th graders walked onto the stage and began their tuning. They started off their portion of the concert with a bang (or rather, “Overture to Lucio Silla”, arranged by Dackow), after which Mr. Hansen turned to talk. 

Before beginning the song, he told us, he had an exciting announcement–the results for the All State and All Northwest Orchestras. Each year, (and every other year for All Northwest) by audition, the best musicians are selected to play in an Orchestra led by a guest conductor. Out of ten students in Madison selected for All state, four are freshmen: Jane Campbell, Mia Dexter, Weston Flamm, and Brennan Watson. Jane and Weston made up two of the four Madison students in All Northwest! You’ve made us so proud!

After Idylls of Pegasus (Richard Meyer), in which Jane, Mia, and Weston performed beautiful solos, the Orchestra performed Troika (arr. Lavender), a song modeling a ride on a three-horse sleigh. They then played White Christmas. The amazing students closed the concert with “Christmas Festival”, arranged by Dickson. Congratulations, everyone! You did a fantastic job!

The Middle School had a band concert at the Junior High at 6. There were the Jazz Cats, 5th and 6th grade. Mrs. Blackwood did an amazing job conducting and even had two guest conductors. Everyone played wonderfully and there were even some solos played. The last song, Son of Santa the Barbarian was narrated by Mr. North.

The Nutcracker play was a very enjoyable and entertaining experience. Many of the roles played were MJH students or MH students, but there were also adorable little children included as well. Huge congratulations to Megan Baxter (Clara), Grace Wood (Sugar Plum Fairy), and Cooper Bargabos (Nutcracker). All did a fantastic job. This will definitely be an ongoing Christmas tradition in my family. What an incredible way to spread Christmas cheer!
By: Charlotte Hirtle

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December 4th was the Lost Tribe Christmas Dance performance. The Lost Tribe is a local Hip hop studio. All ages performed that night. The theme of the performance was Dr. Seuss, meaning that many of the dances were based on his various books. There were also two dance groups that came and performed with them from BYU-I. A round of applause for all the amazing dancers who performed!

With songs featuring soundtracks from Frozen, Moana, and The Avengers and many other all-time favorites, the Jr. High Band Concert was the performance of a century! Congratulations to all of our wonderful performers!

On November 15th, our very own choir gave an amazing performance full of terrific soloists, talented students, and the Christmas spirit! Madison Junior High's select choir, "Madrigal Singers," sang "White Is in the Winter Night," "From Starry Skies Descending," and many others! A huge thank you goes out to these students and their marvelous director, Mrs. Kepner. With their outstanding talents and efforts, they put on a phenomenal concert. Bravo!

On November 14, the High School Marhcing Band performed their 2023 marching show titled "Rise" for the last time of the season. After their performance, the 2023 season drum majors passed on their leadership to the new drum majors for next marching season. They are: Joseph Head (Junior), Abigail Moore (Junior), Joshua Williams (Junior), and the head drum major, Britton Isle (Junior).
Pictures and article by Dylan Payne and Bradley Isle.

The Madison FFA Chapter held their annual Alumni Auction on November 11'th. Students provided a dinner and auctioned off items they had raised to a crowd of supporters. Everyone had a good night, and the fundraiser was a huge success. 

On November 12th the Middle School Choir performed at Madison Junior High. The 5th graders performed first, then the 6th graders, and finally an amazing performance of both the 5th and the 6th graders. The choir was lead by Mrs. Draney.
Photos/written by: Ava Green

The Madison High School put on a wonderful production for the community. The show took place on November 7,8,9, and the 11th. They also performed a spectacular matinee for the Madison Middle School. Countless hours and days went into this show, and the cast was absolutely amazing! The drama department recently hired a new director, and his first show was a hit. Closing night was a few seats away from being sold out! A huge  round of applause to the MHS Drama department and the Anastasia cast!