The music was ringing, the crowd was cheering, and the night was singing as the Concert Band and Wind Symphony performed their first concert of the semester.Many gathered around to listen to the songs that the Concert Band and Wind Symphony had been preparing since mid-August.
The seats were filled with students and parents, who listened attentively as each note was played. The concert was a way for the students to show how far they have improved with their practice.
“It was a phenomenal performance! The students worked diligently the past seven weeks, and performed the literature at the peak of their potential,” Interim Associate Director of Band Dr. George Schrader said, “I cannot begin to describe how proud I am. It is a true honor to collaborate with such outstanding musicians.”
The students were also thankful to be able to work with a director like Dr. Schrader. With such potential in a group of students, it’s the director who guides and molds their talent for presentation to the crowd.
“I think Dr. Schrader is an amazing conductor. His conducting is very expressive and exciting but also precise and calculated,” Adan Coronado, music education and jazz performance major, said “He really brings the musicality out of the ensemble.”
The students of the Wind Symphony produced a well-organized professional performance with the help of Dr. Scott Jones, director of bands. Once the concert was over it seemed like students were content with their performance.
“Afterwards I was very happy with the performance; it went better than I expected to be honest,” Jeri Taylor music performance major, said. “I think the audience probably very much enjoyed it.”
The students practiced hard and repetitively to overcome the challenges they faced leading up to performance day. Even the concert itself proved to be a great obstacle for many students.
“This concert, it really challenged my technique. Personally, it made me push beyond what I thought I could do.” Herminio Mendez, music performance major, said.