The 2024-2025 fall band concert was a hit. The band teacher, Matthew Brusseau, presented wonderful music from the concert band, symphonic band, and wind ensemble. All three bands played different types of music, incorporating a variety of instruments. Their hard work and effort in preparing for this evening were evident throughout the show. 

Concert Band

The concert band was the first band to perform. They presented 3 songs: “Halcyon Hearts” by Katachi Copley, and “Down By the Salley Gardens” arranged by Michale Sweeney, and “Shadows Unleashed” by Brian Balmages. “Halcyon Hearts” gives the impression of being in a musical. The song was very upbeat and felt whimsical. This music wants to explain love and how it can affect us all. The second song that was performed was “Down By the Salley Gardens.” This is an Irish folk song that has a warm and colorful feeling. This piece delivers the feeling of being at the end of the movie and the hope that the ending brings. The last and final song that was played was “Shadows Unleashed.” This song has a dark and mysterious feel at times and gives the impression of being in a realm of shadows. This song had a very dramatic ending to it. 

Symphonic Band

The symphonic band featuring many different pieces was a powerful experience. The music that was played consisted of pieces that held a powerful essence and made the audience feel like they were at war or there was a light at the end of the tunnel. The first song, “Call to Victory” by Karl L. King, evokes images of war. This song has many different instruments, but the trumpets stick out the most prominently in the arrangement. Following this song was “With Each Sunset Comes a New Day” by Richard Saucedo, a much more hopeful piece. The message behind the music was that even if someone is going through rough times, they should always have hope. The band played softer at times, which made the emotional atmosphere feel sad, and at other times, it was strong and loud. The band’s final piece was “Across the Great Divide” by Rob Romeyn. This song follows a day in the life of a cowboy that finishes with a beautiful sunset. The audience got to feel a part of all of the cowboy experience in this piece. 

Wind Ensemble

The wind ensemble presented us with some fantastic pieces. Starting with “Host of Freedom” by Karl L. King, “Rest” by Frank Ticheli, “Pele” by Brian Balmages, “Variations of “America” by Charles Ives, and “The Irish Washerwoman” by Leroy Anderson. “Hosts of Freedom” was very upbeat and fast-paced. This song gives off a powerful and confident feeling. After the wind ensemble played all of their pieces, they surprised the audience with a piece that was not on the program: “How to Train Your Dragon” by John Powell. This unexpected addition was an exciting way to end the night. 

The determination and hard work of each of the bands throughout the quarter was evident in their performances. Their focus now shifts to their winter performances, where they hope to further demonstrate their growth.