Bands play at Manhattan Village

By Sierra Williams
Staff Writer

The Mira Costa High School bands performed various musical pieces on April 13 at the Manhattan Village Mall to raise money to buy new instruments for the music program and to become comfortable with performing in public settings.

The bands did not perform as a whole but instead divided into smaller ensembles that they selected themselves. Each group also chose its own music to perform at the mall.

“My group and I arranged a version of ‘Viva La Vida,’” Wind Ensemble senior Emma Jean Bedford said. “It allowed us to play something we were passionate about, which was fun.”

According to Costa Band Director Joel Carlson, the experience gave him the opportunity to observe what his students are capable of playing without being under his direction.

“I was curious to see if the students had learned all of the things I have taught them throughout the year, and I was interested to see what form the performance would take since it was our first time playing in ensembles,” Carlson said. “But overall I thought the students did undeniably well in their performance.”

The bands are currently preparing for their next concert on June 5 and 7 entitled “The Pops Concert Series.” This annual performance will highlight music from popular movies and more mainstream music.

“Everyone I heard did a really great job at the mall,” percussionist sophomore Lucas Jett said. “It was different because we performed for people who usually might not go to a regular band concert, but I think the audience really liked it, and this performance will help us prepare for our next concert.”