The Issaquah High Band’s Winter Concert held on Nov. 17 was a very festive success. It was directed by Patrick Holen, who was able to incorporate both an uplifting Christmas spirit and harmony in the performance. The audience’s enthusiasm only grew as the concert continued, with cheers that were loud at the beginning and increasing after each performance.
As the concert date approached, rehearsals got more focused and musicians got more dedicated and determined. For the concert band, the percussion had only three full rehearsals with the rest of the performers and was able to produce a spectacular show for the audience. “The rehearsals were obviously more focused as the performance date got closer, and the director really wanted us to focus on specific spots in the music he thought we needed to improve on,” said sophomore flautist Vivi Yeh. “We had around three months for some pieces and around two for others,” said Yeh, when asked how long they had to perfect their art. “I think it’s enough time, especially if people are practicing outside of rehearsals.”
The concert included performances from the concert band, symphonic band, and wind ensemble. The concert band began the event with the piece “Awakening Hills” by Richard L. Saucedo, followed by “Benjamin Franklin and the Art of Music” by Robert W. Smith. Their portion of the event was concluded with “Toboggan” by JaRod Hall. After the performance from the concert band, the symphonic band began with “A Winter’s Journey” by Randall Standridge, selections from “The Polar Express” by Alan Silvestri, and finished with “The Home Town Boy” by Karl King. During “The Home Town Boy,” Holen livened the production with clapping, and soon the entire audience was clapping a steady beat. The seniors of the Symphonic Band wore Santa hats for their performance, and the performers placed Santa figurines on their instruments, effectively encompassing a gladdening spirit for the holidays.
After the symphonic band, the wind and percussion ensemble stepped into the spotlight. Unlike the concert band and symphonic band, the wind ensemble played four pieces rather than three. They opened with “Prelude, Siciliano, and Rondo” by Malcolm Arnold and proceeded to “Pageant” by Vincent Persichetti, “Greensleeves” by Alfred Reed, and ended with “Sleigh Ride” by Leroy Anderson, which concluded the event. “Sleigh Ride” was the piece that incorporated the most Christmas and holiday warmth. “Who’s up for a sleigh ride?” Holen asked before starting; most of the ensemble put on Santa hats, and the furry ends danced with the music of the performance. The director put on a pair of very festive, sparkly green glasses with Christmas trees on them, and it was clear that this piece was the most celebratory.
All in all, the Issaquah Band Winter Concert was an incredible success. Entertaining and enchanting, it was a pleasure to attend. The audience was captivated, cheering and applauding after each song and ensemble. During the performance, Holen said, “We need more live music,” and after such a successful concert, it is true.
