On December 19th, the Somerville High School Symphonic Band and Wind Ensemble led the students into break with their annual winter concert. The students dressed in their best holiday attire to ring in the holidays and new year. With direction from music director Mr. Ferguson, the two bands performed various songs that kept their audience engaged and in awe of the talent shown by the students.

The Woodwind Quartet opened the concert with Tchaikovsky’s “Dance of the Sugar Plum Fairy”. The quartet is comprised of four students – senior Julia Maziaraz, junior Paige Dickson, sophomore Kailing Del Gavio, and sophomore Sofia Cruz. Following their breathtaking performance, the Symphonic Band took the stage. Their first song was “Waltz No. 2” and featured solos from freshman Anna Diaz on trombone and sophomore Carlos Kahlbach on alto saxophone. Ending with an upbeat closer, “Celebration” was performed, which created a joyful atmosphere in the auditorium.

The Wind Ensemble with “From Gold,” along with a beautiful addition “Foundry,” which gave the illusion of being in a steel factory with various noises from the percussion instruments such as banging on pieces of metal.

This song also featured a solo from senior Julia Maziaraz on flute. “Beguine for Band” was the next piece, and boasted three solos from sophomores Jackson Przybylksi on oboe, Darwin Jimenez on trumpet, and William Skowyra on trumpet. The next song was an ominous, mystical one entitled “The Cave You Fear”. The Wind Ensemble ended with “Minor Alterations,” which put a chilling twist on familiar holiday favorites. “Minor Alterations” highlighted solos from senior Benjamin Hunkele on alto saxophone, junior Daisy Carranza on clarinet, and Jackson Przybylksi on oboe.

To end the concert, the Symphonic Band joined the Wind Ensemble on stage and played “Infinity,” arranged by Katahj Copley. It was the perfect way to end the night, and to see the band students join together to perform with great passion.