Throughout the month of December, the Big Red band and choir will be spreading holiday cheer to students and the community.
The jazz band, joined by the percussion ensemble and concert band, will kick off the musical festivities at 7:00 p.m. on Dec. 12. Between the three groups, some of the many songs that will be played will include “Breath of Heaven,” “Cowboy Christmas,” “Hanukkah Festival” and “Silent Night.”
“I think it (the concert) will go pretty well,” said senior Cole Burdette, drum major, member of all three bands, and player of the mellophone, bass clarinet, and alto saxophone. “My favorite piece is ‘Silent Night’ for jazz band because it brings out what the different parts of the band can do.”
As part of their holiday performance, the bands will also perform their marching band field show for the last time this season, as well as the “Veteran Salute.”
“I like that we get to perform it (the marching band show) one more time,” said senior Aaron Grose, trumpet player and member of the marching and concert bands.
A Cappella Choir will perform during the school day on Friday, Dec. 15 for local 5th graders, before holding its annual Christmas concert for the community at 7:00 p.m. on Dec. 18.
“The concert will combine the traditional elements the community expects and the traditional sound the choir has along with different sounds that the choir doesn’t usually have that’ll inspire feelings of peace,” said choir director Joshua Dubs.
A Cappella will begin the concert with “Fanfare,” the candle-lit processional under “O Come O Come Emmanuel,” and the annual piece, “Carol of the Bells.” Afterwards, following the theme, “Let There Be Peace,” the A Cappella and Chamber choral groups will perform their pieces.
“My favorite piece this year is ‘Wassail,’” said senior tenor Dylan Bond. “It’s different from the rest of the pieces, exciting, and it’s non-traditional.”
To wrap up the concert, A Cappella will sing several annual songs, including “O Come All Ye Faithful,” “Hallelujah Chorus,” and “Silent Night” before recessing from the auditorium while singing “O Come O Come Emmanuel” again.
“I think the concert will go really well,” said senior alto Elliza Towner. “We have a strong group this year that’s been giving a lot of effort.”
The jazz band and all three choirs, freshman choir, A Cappella, and Chamber, will perform together for the school Dec. 20 for a fee of $1. There will be two separate performances throughout the day to ensure that all students who wish to attend will have the ability to.
All concerts for both the band and choir will be held in the recently remodeled auditorium.
