Holiday cheer was loud and clear for all to hear at the Middle and Upper School band concerts in Orthwein Theatre this week.
Under the direction of Middle and Upper School Instrumental Music Instructor Bernard Berry, the Sixth and Seventh-Grade Beginning Band performed Blizzard Blues and Alpha Squadron, the latter of which Middle School Dean and Teacher Eric Taylor conducted. The Seventh-Grade Band then rolled out four numbers ranging from spirited marches to holiday staples: Summit March, Silver Bells, Rudolph the Red-Nosed Reindeer, and Furioso. Student band members introduced each number, providing background on the composer, song, and, in some cases, inspiration for the piece, giving context for the musical renditions the audience was about to hear.
After a break for an audience changeover, Berry welcomed the Eighth-Grade Band onstage to perform New South Wales March, Through the Mist, Saxophonic Boogie, Carol of the Bells, and the Charlie Brown fan-favorite, Christmas Time is Here.
After the stellar performance, they switched places with the Upper School Band, who played Them Basses, Irish Tune From Derry, Bugler’s Holiday with three trumpeters, and Sleigh Ride. The eighth-graders joined the Upper School Band on stage, and the two bands performed Feliz Navidad by Puerto Rican songwriter José Feliciano.
Another quick set change brought the Upper School Jazz Band to the stage for an electrifying performance of Blues Machine, Summertime from the Gershwin musical Porgy and Bess, and finished with the Herbie Hancock classic Cantaloupe Island.
Berry said, “Events like this wouldn’t be possible without the assistance of our band parents, the Arts department, the MICDS Arts Boosters for providing dinner for the student musicians and the after-show reception for guests, the tech crew for their help with sound, stage setup, and lights, and of course, the students, for their excitement and dedication to music.”
Bravo and Brava to the Middle School and Upper School Bands for an inspiring and joyful evening of musical enjoyment for delighted concertgoers! Check out the complete concert program here.