BY SITAARA PATEL
On December 19, the band performed the winter concert. Students from Percussion Ensemble, Jazz Band, Orchestra, Symphonic Band, and Wind Ensemble showcased their talent and hard work.
Some of the pieces played at the winter concert included “Ancient Carol Variants,” “O Holy Night,” “Country Cooking Christmas,” and “Roma.” “My favorite piece was ‘Ancient Carol Variants’,” said Karolina Janczuk. “It had a great mix of exciting, fast-paced music and slow music with beautiful harmonies.”
Manvir Singh’s solo in “O Holy Night” stood out as one of the many great solos played at the concert. “It was nerve-racking because I had to focus on not messing up and still fill the room with sound,” said Singh.
The audience enjoyed when wind ensemble student Stephen Franzese played his regional band solo. He auditioned with this piece for the Central New Jersey regional band. He received the highest placement out of all the schools in Central Jersey and the first time Old Bridge had a student place this high in this competition. “It felt really good. It was a run of the solo, and the audience loved it,” said Franzese.
Eighth graders can audition for Wind Ensemble in middle school to earn placement in the program as freshmen. Students have to know all of their scales and have to sight-read notes on the spot. “I see it as an amazing privilege to have extra opportunities and be challenged more than other students,” expressed Shreya Rao, one of the freshmen who performed in the Wind Ensemble.
As some freshmen just started their band journey at the high school level, many seniors just played their last winter concert. “I’m a little sad it’s my last winter concert, but I had a great time playing. It reminds me of how far I’ve come as a musician since I started in fourth grade,” stated Janczuk.
Posted on 1/31/25
Photos by Sitaara Patel
Knight Life 