Last Thursday’s Winter Concert brought together jazz band, orchestra, and symphonic band for an evening of music that showed the progress each student has made thus far. The Performing Arts Center filled quickly as families, students, and staff settled into a performance that smoothly moved from a relaxed groove of the jazz band, to classical pieces from the orchestra, and finally to the bold arrangements from the symphonic band.
Tumwater High School Jazz Band
The Tumwater High School Jazz Band started the night with Silas Atkission playing a guitar solo to get everyone prepared for the jazz band ensemble.
Next, the whole ensemble played “Let it Snow, Let it Snow, Let it Snow,” a piece arranged by Mike Lewis. It was a great swing arrangement of a holiday classic. During this song, there was a tenor saxophone solo by William Harris.
They soon played “Thinking of You,” which is a tenor sax feature composed by Northwest composer and arranger Tom Molter. This also featured a solo by William Harris.
Then, they played “In Her Family,” an arrangement of a Pat Metheny tune by Bob Curnow. This arrangement featured a guitar soloist, done by Silas Atkission, and a piano soloist, done by Thomas Williams.
Finally, they played “Questions 67 & 68,” which is a song about a relationship Robert Lamm had during the years 1967-1968 and how harmful or helpful the relationship was to him. This arrangement was done for the band by local composer and arranger Mark Thome. This song featured TJ Kressin singing the song, and Silas Atkission who did another guitar solo for Jazz Band.
Tumwater High School Orchestra
The first song the Tumwater High School Orchestra played was “Carol of the Bells” by Michael Hopkins. This was another holiday classic arranged in a contemporary rock style.
Next, they played “Saison de Corde” (Season of Strings) by Francis L. Feese. This is a fun and energetic piece, which utilizes interesting harmonies and rhythmic ideas to create a classic in the string orchestra repertoire.
Then they played “Ani Ma’ Amin” (Jewish Folk Song), arranged by John Leavitt, which is a haunting melody attributed to Rabbi Azriel David Fatstag, who is said to have composed it on a cattle car headed for the Treblinka extermination camp. The song became a symbol of hope and faith for Jews during the Holocaust. It is now sung worldwide, especially on Yom Kippur, as a powerful reminder of Jewish resilience. This piece featured a violin solo by Henry Sheppard.
Finally, the orchestra played “Jubilant Overture” by Joshua Reznicow. This work begins with a syncopated introduction leading to a joyous, bouncy opening theme. A soothing and lyric second theme is reminiscent of the waltzes found in the American Fiddle tradition. A fortissimo declaration of the opening material makes for a dramatic close to this rousing work.
Tumwater High School Symphonic Band
First, they played “Fanfare Esprit” by Carol Brittin Chambers. The general meaning of esprit is liveliness, vivaciousness, or sprightliness. People with esprit are described as full of life, joy, and vigor. When used in the phrase ‘esprit de corps’, it is describing those feelings of pride and loyalty shared by members of a group, which of course describes musical ensembles perfectly.
Then, they played “Snow Day Celebration!” by Alan Stein. This delightful holiday treat captures the joyous mood of the happiest of childhood memories – A SNOW DAY!
Thirdly, they played “Autumn on White Lake” by Samuel R. Hazo. This song was commissioned by Lakeland High School of White Lake, Michigan. It commemorates the composer’s first visit to that school as a composer/clinician.
Finally, they played “Dies Irae” (from Verdi’s Requiem) arranged by Jay Bocook. A requiem is a mass for the dead in the Catholic Church. The Dies Irae from that mass, is a Latin phrase meaning “Day of Wrath” and refers to a famous medieval hymn about the Last Judgement.
The Finale
All of the ensembles joined together on the stage to play a few final pieces. Mr. Klintzman grabbed the microphone and told all the people in the audience that we were doing a sing along.
They played a total of four songs that everyone happily sang along to.
These songs were “Santa Claus is Comin’ to Town,” “Rudolph the Red Nosed Reindeer,” “Have Yourself a Merry Little Christmas,” and “Silver Bells.”
All of the parents, siblings, friends, and staff in the packed auditorium sang along with Mr. Klintzman to all of the songs.
It was a great way to end the concert, everyone caroling and having a great time with those they loved and were there to support.
The Conclusion
The Winter Concert ended on a strong note, closing out an evening that showcased the talent, effort, and passion of all the musicians. It was a memorable performance that set a high bar for the rest of the year. Thank you to everyone that performed and helped make it a special night.
