Musicians perform holiday selection
by Jacky Shum
Following their concluding fall semester performances, Spartan Band and Orchestra members will be preparing for the festival held by Southern California School Band and Orchestra Association (SCSBOA) in March.
The Spartan Legion attended their annual winter invitational and marched at Disneyland Dec. 13 to end their marching season. Members performed “Santa Cycle” and “National Fencibles March” alternately, while marching along Main Street.
By Karen La
“It was a pretty good performance and experience overall; we marched from ‘It’s a Small World’ down Main Street, and it was very tiring marching in the sun, but also quite magical,” said Janine Nunez, mellophone player.
After the performance, the organization was presented with a participation plaque to commemorate their contributions to the Disney Winter Community Arts Showcase.
“Yesterday’s (Dec. 13) performance at Disneyland was a very nice way to cap off a very successful season. It was a great reward for all the students and their efforts,” said Antonio Castro, band and jazz director.
The Spartan Orchestra, Jazz Ensemble, and Symphonic Band performed at the Winter Concert Dec. 7 at the Montebello High School Auditorium.
Orchestra opened the performance with “Jingle Bells,” then transitioned into “Radetzky March Op. 228.” They followed with “Brandenburg Concerto No. 5,” and concluded their part of the concert with “March of the Meistersingers.”
“I feel elated after the performance tonight; they did a fantastic job. On only one rehearsal a week, we push really hard to do our best. The last rehearsal has to be the best in order to perform well,” said Dr. Anne Rardin, orchestra conductor.
Jazz Ensemble performed next, starting with “You’re a Mean One, Mr. Grinch,” followed by “Dance of the Sugar Plum Fairy,” “Santa Baby,” and concluding with “Sleigh Ride.”
Band performed last and played “National Fencibles March,” “Santa Cycle,” and ended with a variation of “Sleigh Ride.”
“The performance was absolutely wonderful this year, and I had a great time. It was truly a splendid show from both jazz and band groups,” said Castro.