The band concert is one of my Christmas season highlights! For weeks preceding, I listen to Mason practice the selected songs on his trumpet and I become familiar with his part. When he and the other three trumpeters come together with the whole orchestra, magic happens. The arrangements bloom!
Our director does a fine job selecting a few pieces that allow each grade level to shine. The good news/bad news is that the concert is short. She starts punctually at 6 pm and the whole program takes less than 30 minutes. By the time the audience really settles in, it’s over!
Sixth Grade Band
First Holiday Concert, arr. John O’Reilly
Winter Medley, arr. Larry Henry
Seventh and Eighth Grade Bands
Sleigh Ride, Leroy Anderson, arr. Michael Story
Dance of the Reed Flutes, Tchaikovsky, arr. Michael Story
The Little Drummer Boy, John O’Reilly
Jammin’ on the Rooftop, arr. Gary P. Gilroy
Eighth Grade Band
Ukrainian Bell Carol, arr. Michael Story
We have one more SJB Christmas ahead of us and then our band days will be behind us.
I remember going to a middle school concert a few years ago. When it was over (approx 20 min) I heard a grandparent’s shock that it was so short. They probably drove across the metro for longer than the songs were being performed. As a parent, I am happy to have short concerts, but I only live 2 miles from the school!
No high school band for Mason? Carolyn and Joel are out, but Anna might carry on. Tough choice as show choir is huge in this house right now. Matthew has his trumpet in Tampa Bay….Outback Bowl!