All District Band Concert is hosted by Mira Costa Music Department

By Marisa Ellis

Circulation Manager

The Mira Costa Music Department hosted its annual All District Band Concert on Feb. 10 in the auditorium where students from Manhattan Beach Unified School District schools performed pieces for each other and the audience.

Teachers from the different schools in the district have been communicating with each other to coordinate the schedule of performances. According to Mira Costa band director Joel Carlson, the purpose of the concert was to display to younger students what it is like to perform on a high school stage.

“It is neat to see all levels from the district come together to listen and to play music,” Carlson said. “It enabled younger students to see the skills they will learn when they come to Costa.”

The Fifth grade students played “The Lost Kingdom” by John O’Reilly. The Elementary Honor band played  “Furioso” by Robert W. Smith. Manhattan Beach Middle School Cadet Band performed “The Bermuda Triangle” by Robert Sheldon and the concert band played “Snake Charmer” by Randall Standridge. In addition, MBMS Symphonic Band performed “Semper Fidelis” by John Philip Sousa.

“The middle school can not perform on our stage at MBMS because it is too small so the only time they get that stage feeling is at Costa,” MBMS principal John Jackson said. “After going to the concert, kids are able to visualize what they can do, not only with music, but with all Costa has to offer.”

Costa’s Wind ensemble played “Equus” by Eric Whitacre, the Symphonic band performed “Havendance” by David R. Holsinger, and Jazz performed “Black Orpheus,” by Lulus Bonfa. Costa students have practiced in class since the beginning of January in preparation for this concert and these are some of the pieces they will play when they perform in May at Carnegie Hall in New York.

“Each piece has improved over the many rehearsals,” senior Cameron De Luca said. “It takes a while to get used to the techniques in the different pieces but at the concert, each piece came out a success.”

For the grand finale, the Elementary Honor Band, MBMS, and Costa students came together to play “Valiance” by Robert W. Smith at the same time in the auditorium aisle ways. According to De Luca, showed Costa’s overall performance skills to the younger students who are interested in pursuing music in high school.

“The entire group of students performed well,” Carlson said. “They each really put their heart into the song and showed their skill levels in the  incredible concert.”