The front rows of the auditorium were a sea of black occupied by musicians dressed in formal attire. Some held their violins, cellos or violas, while others clung to their binders filled with sheet music. Walking on stage was a different crowd of people, The Wind Ensemble. Each member of this band was holding an instrument, the brass and silver glittering under the stage lights. After a moment of silence, musician Vander Zimmerman officially began the concert by blowing into his oboe. The rest of the instrumentalists quickly followed suit and soon a harmony of brass, woodwinds and bells united to the thunderous applause of the audience. The group, led by band teacher Jeffrey Ventres, performed the first concert of the school year with a vigor.
This performance wasn´t just the first of the school year, but was also the first event held in the new auditorium. FHS concerts in general are an expression of a student’s hard work and creativity. The concert, Fright Fest, was a collaboration between select honors ensembles in the music department and featured Symphony Strings, Wind Ensemble, Advanced Treble Chorale, and Chamber Singers performing various songs that fit the spooky theme. Each song was noteworthy and held the audience’s attention with the charisma and expression of each ensemble’s engaging and atmospheric opening.
Performing fosters students’ growth as musicians. For some people, music is the core of their life and what they will pursue in the future. Senior Matt Mandac had this to say about his experience as a brass musician.
¨For me, music helps develop discipline, teamwork and creativity, all while giving myself a creative outlet.¨ said Mandac.
When this is put to work, that’s when the magic happens. Music can be a spectacle for all to hear, like at the concert where the performers’ effort shines through. Sophomore cellist Claire Yu had talked about this topic after Fright Fest.
¨I truly believe that everyone put their all into Fright Fest,¨ stated Yu.
Overall the concert was a magnificent display and delightful to hear. The highlight was during the Symphony Strings performance when Ms. Park, the orchestra teacher, put her all into conducting. It was a show within a show with the wild swings of her hands becoming soft flourishes. Some notable songs were ‘March to the Scaffold’ and ‘Nevermore’ which were performed by the Wind Ensemble. ´Nevermore´ in particular, left the crowd with chills because of its haunting melody. Another favorite was the Chamber Singers’ rendition of ‘The Ballad of Sweeney Todd’. Keeping up with the theme, it was quite creepy along with being masterfully executed. Each performance had qualities that made Fright Fest, Fright Fest.
Each performance received a roaring applause and some received a standing ovation. With the support of the audience, students are now focusing on new songs, striving to sound better than ever for their winter concert and beyond. As this incredible concert was just the first of many this school year, it’s exciting to think about what the music department has in store for future performances.
