The Berlin MSHS Bands and Jazz Ensemble performed their annual Winter Concert on Dec. 10.
On December 10, the Berlin Middle-High School Bands and Jazz Ensemble under the direction of Mrs. Jessica Gould performed a wonderful program for their Winter Band Concert.
The evening’s program opened with the members of the caroling ensemble setting the mood. They were followed by the 13 piece Jazz Ensemble of 6th – 12th grade musicians which also included Mrs. Gould on saxophone. The ensemble performed three swinging songs.
Mrs. Gould’s 6th grade Band took to the stage next and performed four pieces, two of which were conducted by students. Ellen Sanders and Nora Smerdon were voted by their fellow 6th grade musicians to take the baton for their conducting debuts. Ellen conducted the band on the traditional Good King Wenceslas and Nora followed with Holiday Fanfare arranged by Michael Story.
After intermission Mrs. Gould and Katelynn Keeler played a rousing trumpet duet. The “Jackies” a student formed ensemble from the 7/8 grade band then played their debut performance.
The 7th/8th grade Band took to the stage performing four pieces. High Hopes from the popular group Panic! At the Disco arranged by Doug Adams was a hit with the audience. Christmas Rock arranged by John Edmondson, was a great twist from the traditional holiday songs.
Mrs. Gould took a moment between performances to share the pride she feels for her students during band concerts. “I hear what you may not, students finding their way back when they may fall out of rhythm and using their ear to make other quick adjustments.”
To close the evening the Senior High Band performed four pieces. Mrs. Gould continued with the tradition of inviting former students and community members to join in on the very difficult piece, Sleigh Ride by Leroy Anderson. Community member Derek Burhans (trombone), Math teacher Mr. Cornell (trumpet), former students Samantha Moore (trombone) and former student Erin Goodermote (flute) were an inspiring addition to the band.
“Each year we play Sleigh Ride, which is a very complex piece and it is so wonderful to see and hear how hard the student musicians work at it and improve,” said Mrs. Gould.
Mrs. Gould’s more than one hundred student musicians put on an excellent program and left the audience looking forward to the Spring Band Concert.
See more photos from the concert on Facebook: