by Annabelle Smith
On Wednesday, September 21st, the instrumental department kicked off the 2022-2023 school year with their first concert, featuring the guitar ensemble, string orchestra, wind band, and jazz band.
For some members of the department, though, this was not the very first performance. The week prior, the band performed at the Museum of Fine Arts in remembrance of 9/11. “The ceremony was very moving and many people, including the Mayor of Hagerstown, spoke,” said Te’a Thompson, senior tenor saxophonist. “The concert went really well for our first concert. Even though we had never played outside [before], we watched the conductor, had very god intonation, and listened to each other.”
The success from that concert certainly carried into the next. Despite having had only three weeks of practice, each ensemble played wonderfully together. First, the guitar ensemble performed two pieces: the tranquil “Trios Trios Atmospheriques” by Luc Levenesque and “Kimono” by Annette Kruisbrink, featuring a more whimsical theme and percussive elements.
Next, the string orchestra took the stage. The first piece was “Chorale” from Cantata No. 99 by J. S. Bach, followed by Florence Price’s “The Old Boatman,” a gentle tune with gospel influences. Finally, the orchestra played Mr. Hollin’s own arrangement of “Viva La Vida” by Coldplay, featuring this year’s seniors as soloists. The upbeat rendition of the classic pop hit inspired more than a few headbangs and dance moves from the younger members of the audience, and was a fantastic finale to the orchestra's performance.
The stage was reset for the wind band, who performed together for the second time this year. They began with “Peacemaker,” a powerful piece by Karl King, then played the deeply reverent “Highway of Heroes” by Robert Buckley, which they had performed at the 9/11 memorial concert the week before. They finished off with “American Big Top” by Brian Balmages, a fun circus march mixed with classic patriotic tunes.
Finally, the stage cleared one more time for the jazz band. They began with “Kicks and Licks” by Howard Rowe, featuring soloists Wes Blood on alto sax and Brady Myers on bass. Then, they moved into “Four” by Miles Davis, with solos once again by Wes Blood and Luke Woody on trumpet. The concert came to an exciting close with the Latin standard “Skyliner” by Charlie Barney featuring a slew of soloists: Niamh Troupe on tenor sax, Camille Sandeen on Trumpet, Luke Heichlinger on drumset, and Taylor Brian on piano.
This concert marks an exciting start to the school year for the instrumental department. Congratulations to the performers and their outstanding teachers! If these performances are any indication, this year will be filled with great music from all ensembles, and you won’t want to miss out on their next concert.
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