by Shawn Goretsky (7th)
Just about two weeks ago, the CMS Concert Band, Jazz Band, and Wind Ensemble performed for the sixth grade and for parents at their spring concert. They played a wide variety of songs, and I’m here to cover them.
Concert Band
The Concert Band performed three pieces: España Cañí, Asian Folk Rhapsody, and March on America. Each piece fit into a global theme.
España Cañí was a fast-paced composition featuring a blend of Spanish musical elements. The highlight of the piece was the trumpet solo, which mimicked a traditional bull call.
Asian Folk Rhapsody was a mix of Chinese, Japanese, and Korean music. Rather than a continuous piece, it combined three distinct songs, each separated by a noticeable pause.
The final piece, March on America, was, as the name suggests, a march. It fused three patriotic songs into one grand and powerful arrangement.
Jazz Band
The Jazz Band also performed three selections: Zero Gravity, It Is What It Is, and High Maintenance.
The first piece, Zero Gravity, had a rock-inspired feel, with a fast-paced and well-balanced arrangement.
It Is What It Is was much slower, featuring a steady, repetitive blues tune. This song included a drum solo by Shawn Goretsky (me) towards the end.
The final piece, High Maintenance, was a lively swing tune. It featured solos from alto saxophonist Noah Levin, trombonist Sasha Maisey, tenor saxophonist Sean Wheeler, and trumpeter Cooper Clark.
Wind Ensemble
After the Jazz Band, the Wind Ensemble took the stage, performing Captain Courageous, Skogtrollet (The Wood Troll), and The Quest.
Captain Courageous was a bold fanfare that opened with heavy percussion, followed by a softer middle section, and ended on a powerful note.
Skogtrollet was a slower piece filled with intricate sixteenth-note passages. The most notable feature was a series of tuba solos performed by guest soloist Mr. Jon Jokums.
Finally, The Quest was a smooth, flowing composition with dynamic contrasts. The middle section slowed down before building into a triumphant conclusion.