Mira Costa Band performs annual Winter Concert

By Marisa Ellis

Circulation Manager

The Mira Costa Band performed its annual Winter Concert on Dec. 4 at 7 p.m. in the auditorium where Symphonic Band, Wind Ensemble and Jazz Band members performed classic holiday music.

Band Director Joel Carlson said that the music played during the performance includes various pieces of Holiday music and classically composed pieces, which are played throughout the year. The Winter Concert included performances of music including pieces like “Let it Snow,” “Jingle Bells,” and “Baby, It’s Cold Outside.”

“Students have been working really hard and have been practicing well at rehearsals,” Carlson said. “It shined out on the stage, and that is enjoyable for the audience.”

The bands have been practicing since the beginning of October according to Senior Pooja Nagpal. They have been reviewing pieces they were familiar with from last year like “Glaciers” and “White Christmas” and practicing new pieces such as “Symphonies de Noelle.”

“Mr. Carlson has been helping us at rehearsals to expand our performance skills such as timing and rhythm, which helped us prepare for the concert,” Nagpal said. “It helped us on stage as we became in sync with the music.”

Symphonic band is split into two periods, and first period Symphonic Band began the concert by playing “Candlelight Carol” and “Dashing Through the Snow.” The third period Symphonic band then followed with this performance of “Carol of the Night” and “Glaciers.” The two Symphonic bands this year performed a piece together called ‘Chanukah is Here”. After that concluded, Wind ensemble played “Symphonic de Noel.”

“It was a great success showing off our various elements combined in a great piece on our onstage performance.” Wind Ensemble member Lauren Koch said.

Along with covering classic holiday music, the Symphonic Band, Wind ensemble and Jazz Band played pieces they have been working on throughout the course of the year, such as “Burgler’s Holiday,” in preparation for the band’s performance at Carnegie Hall in May.

“The bands  all worked well together leading up to the performance,” Koch said. “Putting in the time and effort to perfect these pieces helped us create such a stronger sound when we played.”

Jazz Band members played Jazz Combos in between Symphonic and Wind Ensemble performances. They consisted of classic holiday songs such as “Winter Wonderland” and “We Wish You a Merry Christmas.”

“The audience members seemed to enjoy the music we played,” Mr. Carlson said. “I look forward to working with band on other pieces to get ready for our trip to Carnegie Hall in spring.”