By Elizabeth Hulsbrink
Geneseo Current
“Hark how the bells- Sweet silver bells- All seem to say- Throw cares away- Christmas is here- Bringing good cheer- To young and old- Meek and the bold” (Carol of the Bells, by Mykola Leontovych ©) .
There is nothing like Christmas music to get people in the spirit of the holidays; and there is nothing better than a GREAT band and choir concert to make spirits bright. This past Sunday, the Geneseo Middle School Music Department, under the direction of Ms. Amy Croft, Mrs. Sara Hawkins, and Mrs. Jamie Kotovsky, with accompanist Mrs. Kim Schwarzkopf, presented a remarkable concert.
Photos by Elizabeth Hulsbrink
With a completely full concert hall, the show began with the Jazz Band, comprised of 7th and 8th grade students. Mrs. Hawkins led the group with jazzy renditions of classics “Sleighin’ It” (Arr. Steve Parsons), “Have Yourself a Merry Little Christmas” (Arr. Victor Lopez), “You’re a Mean One, Mr. Grinch” (Arr. Mike Story) and “We Wish You a Merry Christmas” (Arr. Paul Clark). Soloists featured: Cullen Boone on alto saxophone, Novak Ryerson on Trumpet, Elijah Melton and Ian McCord on tenor saxophones. The jazz band was full of energy, with toe-tapping rhythms and lively solos that had the audience clapping and swaying.
The 7th grade band played their set next, also under the direction of Mrs. Hawkins. They started with a lovely piece, “Snowscape” (Arr. Randall D. Standridge), and finished with their powerhouse piece, “All I Want for Christmas Is You” (Arr. Michael Brown). But their rendition of Michael Sweeney’s “The Christmas Song” (AKA Chestnuts Roasting on an Open Fire), was so beautiful, capturing the heart and spirit of the season.
After a brief turnaround, the 7th grade choir with Ms. Croft took to the stage for their chance to bring Christmas cheer. Opening with “Festival of Lights” (Arr. David Eddleman) then “Infant Holy, Infant Lowly” (Arr. Julie Knowles), the music shifted seamlessly from the upbeat energy of the band to a gentle, soothing tone, creating a beautiful contrast that captivated the audience. However, the 7th grade choir truly showed such amazing development with their vocal skills while performing “Fum, Fum, Fum” (Arr. Alice Parker & Robert Shaw) and “Believe” (Arr. Teena Chinn). Vocal soloists included Gia Haars, Peyton Wexell, Trace Hager, and Olivia Krause. Well done!
Next up was the 8th grade Symphonic band, led by Mrs. Kotovsky. Hearing the growth of just one more year of playing is always exciting. And the 8th graders did a great job. They started their set with a rather challenging medley, “Symphonic Highlights from Frozen” (Arr. Stephen Bulla), but proved they were up to that challenge. “Snow in a Silent Wood” (Arr. Jonathan McBride) showcased the depth of their growth though dynamics and pure warmth in their sound. For a special treat, a guest conductor was selected from a drawing, and the lucky winner was Scott McAvoy, who led the band in the always fun “Sleigh Ride” (Arr. Leroy Anderson). A special feature was in the 8’ Slapstick! WOW!
The 8th grade Swing Choir took to the stage with sunglasses, jingle bells, and some swinging jazzy rock! “Dig That Crazy Santa Clause” (Arr. Mac Huff) got the audience snapping, while “I Saw Three Ships” (Arr. Russell Robinson) had everyone humming along. Their show-stopper, though, was “Rockin’ Around the Christmas Tree” (Arr. Mac Huff). Singing, dancing, moving and grooving- clearly the kids were having fun with this particular piece.
After a quick transition, the 8th grade Symphonic Choir took the stage, with soloists Ethan Temperley and Grace Toney adding a beautiful touch to the performance of 'Follow His Star' (Arr. Merrill Miller). The next piece, “On This Winter Night” (Arr. Greg Gilpin) had everyone leaning in, captivated by the beautiful lyrics that brought a fresh depth to the familiar tune. For a change of pace, “Holly Jolly Christmas” (Arr. Harry Simeone) brought a playful listening experience. The real wow factor arrived when the kids performed 'Carol of the Bells' (Arr. M. Leontovich, Peter J. Wihlousky), flawlessly hitting every note with perfect timing. Kudos for taking this on A Capella!
The evening finished with the combined bands, choirs, and audience performing “Holiday Sing-a-Long” (Arr. John Moss) for the grand finale. What a wonderful way to brighten the holiday spirit.