On Wednesday, December 10th, the members of our Colts Neck band, jazz band, and chorus performed in their annual winter concert. After months of hard work, afterschool rehearsals, and dedication, each and every member was able to put their all into creating an atmosphere of holiday cheer.
The concert began with our Jazz Band, which meets after school on Tuesdays and Thursdays. This year, the Jazz band performed three songs. They began with a holiday classic “Favorite Things” arranged by Roger Holmes. The song had many recognizable and smooth rhythms, and featured solos from Sophomore Eden Lewis and Freshman Layla Duprex on trumpet, as well as Sophomore Lucas Fiore on tenor saxophone, and Ankush Ambegaonkar on saxophone. Congrats to all soloists! Next our jazz band played “Amazing Grace” which was arranged by Dave Rivello. This song also featured a solo by Lucas Fiore on tenor saxophone! Lastly, the jazz band played “Don’t Get Around Much Anymore” arranged by Mark Taylor. Not only did this feature Senior percussionist Nick Marina, but also a member of our chorus Ariana Busico-Vasquez! Ariana’s voice perfectly fit the accompaniment, providing a crisp jazzy voice to the wonderful song. Great job to Ariana and the rest of the jazz band soloists! Overall, the jazz band started the concert strong.
The next performance came from our very own chorus. They may be small, but every voice is able to blend and create beautiful music. They started with “A Celtic Silent Night” by Joseph Mohr and Franz Gruber. Subsequently, they sang “Underneath the Tree” by Kelly Clarkson and Greg Kurstin. Both songs were a beautiful start for our chorus! The last full chorus song was the hit chart “All I Want for Christmas Is You” by Mariah Carey and Walter Afanasieff. This song featured memorable solos by Ariana Busico-Vasquez and Isabelle Cisneros. Amazing job to both soloists! Lastly, four select members, Charly Merritt, Ariana Busico-Vasquez, Mo McMormick and Leah Kim performed a quartet to the viral “White Winter Hymnal” from the Pentatonix. This song featured wonderful body percussion accompanied by four beautiful voices that blended together perfectly.
The final performance of the night came from our concert band. The first two songs performed were “Southern Hymn” by Samuel Hazo which featured a solo by senior Marquiz Zheng on trumpet, and “A Holst Christmas” by Gustav Holst which featured Julia Lee on oboe. Both of these songs combined both band class and club. Band club members include those who do not take the class, but still want to participate in band. Great job band club and soloists! Next, the band changed speed and performed “Hanukkah Highlights” arranged by Chris Sharp. One of our most anticipated pieces “Superman Returns” by John Williams and John Ottoman was played next. Working together, the band was able to make this song sound powerful and upbeat. If you were lucky, you may have been able to see out very own percussionist Dylan Sciarrillo with his Superman shirt! Lastly, the band performed “Enchanted Spaces” by Samuel R Hazo. This song did not come easy to most, and required the most work during rehearsals. However, the band was able to come together and play through the many time and key signature changes. Amazing work to all members!
Overall, all those involved in the music department were able to put on a wonderful show! For the first time this year, band class was split into two separate classes. This meant limited rehearsal time as a full band, but everyone was still able to pull it off! Stay tuned for more music related articles, including our next production coming in February, “A Chorus Line”!
