Through the course of the night’s program, the band students played seven songs in total: “Ceremony, Chant and Ritual,” “A Saint-sational Trio,” “Gadget,” “In Endless Song,” “Lament and Jig for Mickey,” “Into the Storm,” and “The American Way.” The first song, “Ceremony, Chant, and Ritual,” was an exciting song that had various fast-paced sections as well as slower sections. After that song, the band played “A Saint-sational Trio,” which featured a Trumpet Trio consisting of Andy B., Luke J., and Alyssa O. The next song, “Gadget,” highlighting the low brass instruments on the melody part, and sounding like a little gadget, through the use of sound effects by the percussion (the video is posted at the bottom of the page). The next two songs, “In Endless Song” and “Lament and Jig for Mickey” were played by the concert band at their competition at Randolph.
The first song, “In Endless Song,” was a slow-paced song featuring Eduardo N. on the saxophone solo. The second song, “Lament and Jig for Mickey,” was written by the composer as a tribute to his father, Mickey, and featured Riddhi J. and Andy B. on solos.
After these songs, the eighth grade students were asked to stand, and various awards were given to some eighth graders based on some criteria. First, Hannah V. won an award for her dedication to the band and her positive spirit. After this, Shreya S. got an award for most improved musician. The next four awards were presented to Luke J., Andy B., Dan J., and Nicky M. for outstanding musicianship. The final award that was presented at this point of the concert was the director’s award, which went to Eduardo N. After the presentation of awards, the band played “Into the Storm,” another fast-paced song. The final song of the concert, “The American Way,” was a march, conducted by Christina H., who won the eighth grade conducting competition. After the song, she got a plaque as an award for being an amazing band conductor! At the end of the concert, some students gave presents to the band director, Mrs. Basilicato. In conclusion, the 7th and 8th grade band concert was a great success, but none of it would have been possible without the leadership of our director Mrs. Basilicato and the assistant band director Mr. Scott. By: Andy B.