Though it might not feel like it with temperatures pushing 60 degrees outside, it’s winter concert season, and on Monday, Dec. 21 and Tuesday, Dec. 22 Roslyn High School musicians will once again display their talents for the community.
On Monday, the Symphonic Band, Roslyn Singers, Roslyn Chorus and Chamber Singers will take the auditorium stage at 7 p.m..
On Tuesday you can catch performances from the Jazz Project at 6:30, followed by the wind ensemble, chamber orchestra, string orchestra and full orchestra.
Musicians have been rehearsing during their daily class periods and lessons throughout the day to prepare. Whether they’re singing or playing an instrument a lot of work is put in for the performances to be just right.
Singers in the Roslyn Chorus are composed of all freshmen. The Roslyn Chorus is composed of sophomores, juniors and seniors and the Chamber Chorus, a chorus that meets after school and is an audition-only group open to all grades.
Allison Hungate Wood is new to the Roslyn Public School District and directs each chorus, bringing her own twist to the upcoming concert.
“We have been practicing all semester, working on our sound with our new, spectacular chorus teacher, Ms. Hungate Wood,” senior Arielle Waxman said, a member of the audition chorus known as Chamber Singers. “She has given us so much insight on new techniques to use, so it’s not the chamber singers it used to be.”
Alongside the choral students clarinet player and sophomore Andie Chapman, will also be performing with the Wind Ensemble on Tuesday evening. She believes that it is a great, free event that the community won’t want to miss.
“You should expect to be blown away by the talent of the students in each separate program, especially wind ensemble, Chapman said. “The community would love an amazing musical experience on a relaxing weeknight.”
Pat Patterson directs the Wind Ensemble, a higher-level band. Alongside the Ensemble, Patterson also directs the Jazz Project, a jazz band that meets on weeknights and a Symphonic Band, composed of band members of all grade levels and abilities.
On Tuesday evening all of the orchestras will be playing, including the chamber orchestra, string orchestra and full orchestra under the direction of Michael Coffey. Among them is Sophomore Devon Schmalzle, who plays the cello will perform as well.
“We have been practicing since the start of the school year and have put in many hours that are finally leading up to the concert,” he says. “It’s a time where families come together to hear and witness what students have been preparing for since the beginning of the year! Everybody should come because it’s a great way to de-stress and a good way to kick off the winter break.”
Audience members should plan to keep their expectations high for the peformers. Students have been perfecting their music and memorizing lyrics for the two performances kicking off in the Roslyn High School auditorium on Monday starting at 7 p.m. and Tuesday at 6:30 p.m. Their goal is to make it the best it can be.
“You can expect kids doing their best to make the evening enjoyable by putting on the best performance they can!” Schmalzle said.
