Winter Concert Dazzles Crowd

By ANNA SNISARENKO 

The auditorium blossomed with the warmth of stage lights and the sounds of instruments, tuning in preparation for the Winter Concert on January 8. 

“The week leading up to the performance was very stressful,” said Mr. Daniel Jordan, a band teacher. “Many parts needed urgent work, but with practice and dedication from the students, the concert went very well.” 

Although many students practice daily in the back room, inconsistent school days interfered with their practice routines. 

“Break may be a blessing to others, but it absolutely sucks when you have a solo to work on,” said Aarin Arora ’21, a composer, soloist, and member of multiple bands in the show. “I sat down at a keyboard, and for several hours a day I’d just use two fingers to try and get the music down.” 

Many concert-goers were amazed with the wide selection of genres and instruments the ensembles had to offer. The first group to perform used garbage cans, then the Symphonic Band, led by Mr. Alexander Jung, followed up with four pieces: “Electricity,” “Dark Ride,” “Thriller,” and “Malagueña.”

After that, Aarin Arora played a xylophone solo, and Mr. Jordan’s jazz ensemble played two songs, each about three minutes long, with standout saxophone solos.

“I heard nothing but compliments from everybody, even my wife!” said Mr. Jung.

The concert ended with Mr. Jordan’s wind ensemble, which performed two beautiful pieces, sitting formally with their backs up against their chairs.

Jack Walter ’21 said, “The Winter Concert was an excellent experience, filled with exciting sights and sounds. One of my favorite pieces was ‘Electricity.’ I loved it when they dipped the gong into the water.” 

The band program has opened opportunities for many students.

“Being in multiple bands has widened the range of instruments I was able to play,” said Gerson Oviedo ’21. “For this concert, I played the trumpet and the vibraphone, two instruments I couldn’t play before this semester.” 

Mr. Jung also said, “A bunch of music appreciation students asked how to get into these ensembles because they thought it was so cool.” 

Through constant teamwork and perseverance, the band program continues to reach new heights with each concert.

“There wasn’t a moment where I was disengaged,” said Jamie Serrano ‘20. “It really is great to see our school’s band put their all into their concerts, as they always do with each performance.” 

The jazz band performs High and Mighty Brass Band’s “Officer.” Photo Credit: Anna Snisarenko