One can feel the holiday spirit wafting through the air of the much too cramped Margret Dennison theater both nights of the concert. All performers look slick as usual, with tuxedos and dresses adorned, for what is sure to be two nights of killer music. Each individual band kid is excited and a little sweaty, as per the band kid norm. They warm up with passion, some playing graceful scales as they descend into madness, and others jumping on top of it with jazz melodies.
I attended both nights of the band concert, the first night Tuesday, December 4 simply as an enjoyer, and the 5th as a performer. I am happy to say that in my opinion both nights were a success. A range of fun and funky music was played, all while still leaving room for the holiday favorites.
NIGHT ONE:
The lights begin to dim and the audience goes quiet, then all that can be seen is the end of a broom hitting the floor as a boy awkwardly steps out to “sweep” the stage. He freezes and stares at the audience for just a moment before returning to his janitorial task. In a quick succession other teens with brooms enter and even more with buckets for trash collection, several of the performers are wearing cut up trash bags on top of their concert attire.
As they stumble around the stage a rhythm begins to appear from the cacophony of banging and cleaning noises. Soon all of Sentinel’s percussion ensemble is on stage madly beating cleaning supplies of all kinds in a fast paced flurry.
With a banger of a start, the percussion ensemble (one of the only existing percussion focused high school bands in the state) played “Sweep Dreams” by Danny Ramond, a fun and rhythmic piece. Along with the garbage theme the piece was generally fun to watch as drummers sat in a row and banged on one another’s drums and dustpans alike.
Another highlight piece of the night was Jazz Purple’s “Cantaloupe Island” by Herby Hancock and arranged by Mike Kamuf , a jazz classic and good fun. It was fun to watch several freshman performers play out their first jazz solos. Particular props to freshman alto saxophone player Christopher Welch who impressed the audience with his confidant and speedy playing.
I’d also like to give a shoutout to Jazz Gold for playing “Pegasus” by Hank Levy, a smooth and very funky piece. This piece featured the Scoop’s own Aubrey Cruson, co-host of the “Well now you Know” podcast, drumming like a crazy person.
Both jazz bands are often a highlight of band concerts for all watching. They have an amazing range, and ability to transition from high energy big band tunes to slow and smooth ballads.
Now I would like to give my highest praise of the night to Sentinel’s second ensemble, the Symphonic band. As someone who was once a part of this band and doesn’t always get to hear their pieces anymore with separate concerts, their performances blew me away. With three dynamic pieces I have to say my favorite of the night was “At Sunrise” by Rob Romeyn.
It’s not often that music really hits me hard but I could feel this song coursing through my veins. It’s sweet and elegant melody shot straight through me and I honestly had to close my eyes and take it all in. A gorgeous flute part layered over much of the piece evoking feelings of a summer breeze and making me miss the sunny atmosphere of months passed.
I feel it is a given that I also mention a classic piece the Symphonic band rocked, “How the Grinch Stole Christmas” arranged by Larry Clark. With dark and jazz infused Bari sax solos during “You’re a Mean One Mr. Grinch ” and a jovial excerpt from “Celebration Breakdown” this piece was an instant crowd pleaser.
Overall I am so pleased I was able to attend night one of the concert as it was a night of fun and upbeat tunes.
NIGHT TWO
As night two begins the theater is still packed, friends and family all scrunched together ready to see the freshman Concert band have the time of their lives playing holiday tunes. The lights dim and a silence falls over the room as the dapper looking freshmen prepare themselves.
Still assuming the role of an audience member for the first half of night two I had the pleasure of watching our Concert band play their butts off in two spectacular holiday songs. I have to say that I believe every year the freshman band gets better and better, this ensemble is one for the books.
I had a wave of nostalgia hit me with their second piece “Holiday Pop Sing-along” by James D. Ployhar, a classic among Sentinel band students. Played each year by the concert band, this piece is a mish mash of iconic Christmas songs, with moments from “Silver Bells” and “Santa Claus is Coming to Town” gracing the audience’s ears. Those watching were even encouraged to sing along with the holiday excitement. A super fun piece and a tradition I hope continues for years to come.
And thus my time as an observer ends.
I dive around the other clambering band kids hoping to quickly grab my Bari sax and still have a chair set up for me. With 66 teens trying to set up quickly, chairs and stands can be snatched with the blink of an eye.
I manage to get all my ducks in a row and sit, straightening my bow tie as nerves begin to flood my stomach. Then, Nelson lifts his baton and the music just pours out.
The Wind Ensemble, Sentinel’s top band, had a long night of pieces ahead with five pieces to close off the 2023 concert season. With an interesting and roller-coaster-like selection of pieces, it was fun to perform. While playing a few Christmas tunes the Wind Ensemble also took the night to showcase a variety of unknown works.
One worth noting was “Kpanlogo Dreams” written by Ben Kirby for Sentinel’s Wind Ensemble a few years back. The piece depicts a form of traditional African dance and features singing on the part of the performers. Quite upbeat and bright it was an entertaining piece to perform and I was rather proud considering the positive audience reaction.
The other selection I would like to call attention to was also composed for the Wind Ensemble. “Shir LaShira” is a traditional Israeli lullaby telling the story of a father telling his daughter his hopes and dreams for her. With two Israeli Jewish students in the ensemble, who have friends and family currently caught up in the conflict in Israel and Gaza, this piece was special to the students performing. A friend of said students currently living in Israel arranged the piece in just a week and our hearts go out to her.
Slowly the lights come up and a brief silence falls over the crowd, then an eruption of applause. All band students stand proud, slightly tired but feeling accomplished. Afterwards, family members and performers enjoy cookies and relish the sugary taste of success.
