The 2024-2025 school year is slowly beginning to wind down: AP exams are finally over, college decisions are made, finals are just around the corner, and the SHS student body is excited for the final day of school on June 20th. To help launch us into summer, SHS’s curricular bands – under direction of Mr. Ferguson – were ready to wow the crowd on Thursday night. Hosting their annual spring concert, the SHS Symphonic Band and Wind Ensemble showcased the talents and hard work of our students.
The Woodwind Quartet opened the performance with an entrancing rendition of “Palladio.” The quartet features almost each grade with senior Julia Maziarz, junior Paige Dickson, and sophomore Sofia Cruz each on flute; and sophomore Kailing Del Gavio on clarinet. The Symphonic Band followed, boasting a three-piece set. Their first and most challenging piece “Espana Cani” featured a sneak peak of one of the songs that will be heard in Matador this upcoming marching band season! Their next piece was a complete contrast from the tension of the previous song and brought the audience to a more tranquil place. Their beautiful rendition of “Rippling Watercolors” held true to its artistic name. Their final song “How to Train Your Dragon” from the 2010 hit movie brought the audience nostalgia with it’s triumphant and upbeat flare. The last piece also had solos from sophomore Gray Bianchini on French horn and sophomore Chris Frost on flute.
The new Tri-M inductees were also recognized at the concert. The Tri-M Music Honor Society is a leadership chapter that allows students to give back to their music communities. The new inductees were juniors Daira Moran, Aaron Szumigala and Nat Zgombic; and senior Miracle Coit.
The Wind Ensemble opened with “March” from First Suite in E-flat. Their next piece was “Melodious Thunk,” which is a play on the name of famous jazz pianist Thelonious Monk. The fun, quirky tune kept the audience engaged and uplifted. Next was “Albanian Dance,” based off the Shota, a popular village dance in Albania. This fast rhythmic piece was exciting and featured a piccolo solo from Julia Maziarz. Their last piece, Kataj Copley’s “Syzygy Flow,” took the audience on an inspiring celestial adventure and a wave-like sound could be heard throughout. It was the perfect closing to the Wind Ensemble’s set.
Each year, a student conductor must audition to conduct one of the pieces for the concert. This year, senior Brianna Hannum conducted “Prairie Dances.” Hannum has been one of the drum majors of the marching band for the last two seasons and a part of many programs at SHS. She will continue on to Westchester University and become a “little Mr. Ferguson” as she is pursuing Music Education. Best of luck, Bri!
The last piece titled “Incantations” was the perfect finale, and the bands received a standing ovation. The hard work, dedication, and passion was clear on the faces of each student.
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