Performing with holiday spirit

Junior Thomas Grimes, who has a solo in “A Hanukkah Festival,” practices for the concert on his trumpet.

BY ISABELLE MARMARA

The band and orchestra will combine their efforts to host a Winter Instrumental Concert on December 21, preceding the start of Winter Break. The Symphonic Band, Wind Ensemble, Orchestra, and Percussion Ensemble will perform in the OBHS auditorium, starting at 7 pm.

Since September, the various band classes have worked tirelessly on rehearsing the pieces for the show. “The winter concert is held so we can perform all the music we have been preparing since the beginning of the school year,” said senior Wind Ensemble member Natalie Garcia. “It also gives us the opportunity to show our audience our skills as musicians through holiday music.”

The Band and Orchestra do not have many concerts throughout the school year, making this kickoff to winter break one to attend. “I am most looking forward to performing in front of friends and family, sharing that holiday cheer, especially since we’ve worked very hard these past three months to put on this show for others!” exclaimed Kayleigh Leon, who plays percussion.

Percussion member Braeden Appleton, a junior who will perform a bell solo in “A Hanukkah Festival,” waits for his cue to play one of the various instruments that surround him.

To start the joyous concert, the Wind Ensemble will perform “The Polar Express.” “It’s a very fun song to play and listen to,” explained Garcia. “I feel that it sort of embodies the Christmas spirit.”

Following “The Polar Express,” the full Orchestra, under the Direction of Melissa Thatcher, will take the stage to perform “Christmas Waltz.” Students from the different classes met after school to rehearse the piece.

The String Orchestra will play two songs, including “Brazilian Sleigh Bells,” a favorite of some students. “I like it because it is a fast and upbeat piece, and it is very fun to play along with all the other parts,” said Orchestra member Tyla Lovetere.

Freshmen Ahil Vistro and Alexander Oh concentrate reading their music during class the week before the show.

The Wind Ensemble and Symphonic Band will then combine to form the Concert Band and perform three songs, including “Christmas Vacation” from the movie National Lampoon’s Christmas Vacation. “I have always loved the National Lampoon’s movie, and the song reminds me of when I used to watch the movie with my family every winter,” stated Emma Parrish, a member of the Symphonic Band.

Finally, the Percussion Ensemble will close the show out with “Holiday Hoopla.” “It’s fun to play because it’s a mash up of multiple famous Christmas songs and is just fun to play with my friends,” stated Wind Ensemble and Percussion member Annaliese Reckhow, who will also perform two solos on the clarinet.

Senior Danica Lennon, a member of the Wind Ensemble, prepares her final Winter Concert by practicing on her flute.

Come out and enjoy the inspiring concert free of charge on December 21 at 7pm, and make sure to make a donation to support the district’s music programs.

Posted on 12/19/23

Photos by Jamie Hazel and Isabelle Marmara