Wind Ensemble and Symphonic Band Bring Winter Vibes to the Auditorium
The Symphonic Band performs “Winter Winds.” Photo: Shanzeh Fahid and Alanna Lalman
By SHANZEH FAHID, ALANNA LALMAN, DANIEL GHOPRIAL and OLUWAJEMBOLA ORIOKE
The Winter Concert, held on December 12, showcased powerful performances by the Symphonic Band and Wind Ensemble, celebrating the talent and dedication of the musicians and the school's commitment to the arts.
The journey to the stage began long before the Thursday night lights illuminated the performers like a spark igniting a fire.
“We started in September, but we had to stop working on some of the music to prepare for Homecoming,” said Nori Robinson ’26, a percussionist in the Wind Ensemble. “Thankfully, we all remembered the music after 2-3 weeks of not playing it. We were a little rusty, but we brought it all together.”
Alexis Vincent ’26, a clarinetist in the Symphonic Band, said, “The most challenging part was keeping up with the tempo in ‘The Nutcracker.’ The ending was very fast, but we practiced a lot, and we pulled it off.”
The process was not without obstacles. “This year, we had a very large variety of experience levels within the two bands, and the band room was shut down for about five months,” said Mr. Todd Hayen, the Wind Ensemble director. “Extra support was needed to help those who hadn’t been able to practice regularly.”
“The band has been working hard, and we had a challenging program of pieces that were a diverse mix,” he said.
The students rose to the occasion. “Practice was great,” Kobe Jiang ‘26, a percussionist, said. “While we encountered many challenges, none were too difficult to surpass. Seldom do I have the opportunity to work with such a talented band.”
The Dance Hornet Elites, Midwood's first-ever dance team, also got to make their debut. “Winter concerts are a great opportunity for showcasing our skills and hard work,” said Leyla Hamidova ‘26, the captain of the team.
“We put in a lot of work,” said Sofiia Serdiuk ‘26, the dance team secretary. “We all had to commit and stay late for practice. But it was really fun! It was a great experience to get together and create something magical to give joy to the students and parents.”
As the lights dimmed and the audience settled, the dancers opened the concert with a vibrant routine to “Underneath the Tree” by Kelly Clarkson. Adorned in red, blue, and white, they filled the auditorium with energy. The dancers began by moving through each row of seats, engaging the audience, before coming together in the middle for the finale.
Following the dance performance, the Symphonic Band took the stage. They began with “Sword of Kings,” a piece that opened with the menacing sound of drums. The crowd fell silent, captivated by the dramatic rhythm and the conductor’s sweeping gestures. The band then transitioned into other festive classics.
“‘The Swords of Kings’ wasn’t winter-themed, but it was majestic and easy for everyone to play,” said conductor Mrs. Hyun Joo Duffy. “The other pieces were winter-themed, including ‘Winter Winds’ and ‘The Nutcracker,’ to help students paint pictures of the season through music.”
For many musicians, the pieces made a lasting impression. “I enjoyed ‘The Swords of Kings’ so much,” Vincent said. “The whole song is stuck in my head; I didn’t even have to look at the paper for my lines.” She also found “Winter Winds” particularly memorable. “The melody was just so beautiful, especially the beginning,” she said.
“I loved the performance,” audience member Calisia Forde ’26 said. “At first, I was recording with my phone, but when Mrs. Duffy started to lead the musicians to play ‘The Nutcracker,’ I had to put my phone down and just listen to the masterpiece. It felt so surreal and nostalgic all at once.”
One of the evening’s most memorable moments came when Mr. Hayen introduced a series of modern pieces. The set included “Jungle Dances,” “A Song without Words,” and “Imminent Danger.”
“For the first time, we incorporated a dubstep-inspired track, ‘Housians Hearts,’ which electrified the audience,” Mr. Hayen said. “The only thing I was nervous about was getting the logistics right. We did a sound check earlier in the day, but it’s always an adventure when you’re dealing with live electronics.”
An unexpected twist added to the drama when the fire alarm suddenly blared and flashing lights filled the auditorium. But the performers pressed on with remarkable composure.
“The speaker falling and the fire alarm were unexpected challenges, but we persevered,” Mr. Hayen said. “The band’s ability to adapt was remarkable. They made smart choices when faced with surprises. They didn’t panic, and we stayed together remarkably well.”
The crowd’s reaction was also instrumental to the band’s success. “We feed off the energy of the audience,” Mrs. Duffy said. “Hearing their applause and having them there to support their friends and family really changed how we played. It gave the students confidence.”
“Performing was intimidating,” Vincent said. “But I overcame it because I had people sitting there watching me, and I knew they were there for me. I felt loved and humbled.”
“I felt the intensity of the moment and decided to ride the waves,” said Kenson Fenelon ‘26, a clarinet player and section leader.
The concert also left a lasting impression on the audience. Anissa Molokwu ’26, who attended to support a friend, said, “It shines a light on the music department and the different performing arts. I’ll definitely attend another performance!”
“It was very uplifting to see all the hard work come together,” Ms. Duffy said. “We’ve been working on these pieces for months, and seeing the students’ growth was incredibly rewarding.”
With the success of this concert, the future of the school’s music program looks brighter than ever.
The Wind Ensemble’s percussion section preps between songs. Photo: Shanzeh Fahid and Alanna Lalman