Senior musicians honored at Spring Concert

By Travis Fischer, tkfischer@charlescitypress.com

The Charles City High School Orchestra and Charles City High School Band held their last concert of the year on Monday, May 1, in the middle school gym.

In between performances, string orchestra and band directors Sam Naumann and Jake Gassman took time to recognize the senior members of their respective groups, presenting them with a spider plant, as is Charles City music tradition.

“It’s been really great to work with these six in my three years here,” said director Sam Naumann of his senior students, Jacob Kruger, Connor Loftus, Harper McInroy, Katie Miller, Elsie White and Natalie White.

The directors praised the outgoing seniors for overcoming unique challenges throughout their high school experience, coming into high school as freshmen during the COVID-19 pandemic and adapting to the challenges that entailed.

“They’ve seen every form of band we could think of in the last four years,” said director Jake Gassman. “This is just a phenomenal group of kids.”

The seniors had high praise for their instructors as well, presenting them with both words of appreciation and bags of gag gifts to show thanks to the teachers.

“Mr. Naumann somehow makes us sound wonderful,” said Katie Miller. “I really appreciate it and everything you’ve done for us.”

“I don’t think I’d be able to accomplish all the things I have without Mr. Gassman’s guidance,” said Sophia Jensen.

The music directors also offered their thanks to the Charles City Fine Arts Century Club, which raises funds that support activities and trips so that students don’t have to pay out-of-pocket expenses.