Toward the end of the first semester, a rhythmic beat starts growing stronger and stronger in the halls and on the stages at MICDS as the annual winter band concert approaches. After a semester of hard work, this highly-anticipated time of year is when Middle and Upper School band students showcase all that they’ve learned as they perform for their peers, families, and faculty. « The Winter Concert is a reflection of teamwork, passion, and the joy of making music together, » explains Bernard Berry, Middle School & Upper School Band Director. « Every note, measure, and rehearsal brought us to this moment. [With the concert,] our hope is to show the musicianship and the spirit of this season and provide insight into the growth of the Band Program. I am incredibly proud of the hard work and dedication of the MICDS Middle and Upper School band students to make this Winter Concert a success. »
Eric Taylor, Eighth-Grade Dean, Director of Fifth-Grade Band, and Director of Sixth & Seventh-Grade Intro to Band, echoes that hope. According to him, the purpose of the winter concert is to « shine a spotlight on the incredible devotion and talent of our young musicians. » That’s exactly what occurred as students individually took the mic to greet everyone, share their passion for music, and introduce the next song. The audience could certainly hear the devotion as the students performed in two different sets that evening.
Taylor teaches our youngest band students, who performed in the first set of the show. These students comprised the Fifth & Sixth Grade Beginning Bands, Seventh & Eighth Grade Middle School Intro Band, and Ram Band. Starting at six p.m., they got the packed audience into the winter season and holiday spirit by performing Blizzard Blues, Jingle Bells, and Up on the Housetop. They also performed Sword of Kings, a concert band piece inspired by the legend of Excalibur.
The concert was a great way to show off the newest band members’ budding musical talents. « Learning an instrument is no small feat, and I am beyond proud of our new band students who, in just a few short months, transformed their hard work into a meaningful performance, » notes Taylor. « It’s inspiring to see their progress and how they really brought the music to life while on stage. »
Fifth & Sixth Beginning Bands, Seventh & Eighth Grade Middle School Intro Band, and Ram Band
After an intermission with refreshments in the Messing Gallery, the next band students filled the stage. Under the direction of Berry, the Seventh & Eighth Grade Concert Band and the Upper School Concert Band both performed. Song selections included Darklands March, Song for Terra, Misterioso, Klaxton March, and Dream Song. The groups also performed several festive tunes, Including Jingle Bells Upside Down, Tidings, Sleigh Ride, and Feliz Navidad.
Seventh & Eighth Grade Concert Band and the Upper School Concert Band
Lastly, the stage was quickly reset for the Upper School Jazz Band. This group of advanced band students treated the audience to three pieces: The Girl from Ipanema, Blue Monk, and A Night in Tunisia.
Jazz Band
A few students took the time to reflect on their band journeys so far. « I’m in percussion, so I play different types of instruments, but my favorite is the snare drum, » shared Alyssa Cowley ’29. « My favorite thing about the band program is learning new music and playing with my friends. The highlight from the band concert was when Mr. Berry told me that I was going to play with the Upper School last minute and I think I did pretty well! I’ve learned that listening to the song many times helps you to play better! »
Flute and trumpet player Sarvajith Ganapathi Subramanian ’30 said, « My favorite thing about the band program is playing the instruments. Doing the intro was my highlight from the band concert. » The students who introduced the music also told of their band experiences, how long they’d been playing, and their favorite parts of the band program. Subramanian also shared his top lesson from the first semester: « Something important I have learned is that everybody in band should sound like one instrument, especially in the category you play under. »
Reid Ellis ’30 plays the trumpet and this was his first-ever school concert. His favorite thing about band « is that you can play your favorite instrument with your friends or people a grade above or below. » He also shares what he’s learned so far: « To be good at band or anything, you have to practice every day, and you have to know others are doing the same. They might need help learning, and that’s okay. »
Daniel Watanabe Soufen ’32 expresses, « I love playing new songs and meeting new people. I am a proud trumpet player. » Yet, the band program offers much more than opportunities to play a musical instrument.
« Back in September, I liked band because of the instruments and the melodies. Now, I realize that it’s about teamwork and who you really play with. »
~Daniel Watanabe Soufen ’32
Nina Schuerer ’25 agrees that the people really make the program meaningful. « I love the band because of the people in it and the music we are able to create when we work together. I also have to shout out my love for Mr. Berry who, in the past year and a half, has completely revitalized the band program. It’s hard not to love something that you and someone else have put so much effort into. » How fun it has been to see the band program evolve and improve!
Bravo to the band students, and thank you to all who support the band program at MICDS. Thank you to both Mr. Berry and Mr. Taylor for this special performance culminating the first semester’s new band skills and talents. « We are fortunate to be part of a school that values and celebrates the arts, and we deeply appreciate the overwhelming support from our audience, » adds Taylor. « Moments like these remind us how music connects and uplifts our entire community. »
For more details, check out the Winter Band Concert program here.