By McLean Grimes
Executive News Editor
Costa’s Instrumental Ensembles hosted “An Evening of Eclectic Ensembles” on April 15 in Costa’s small theater to showcase different musical groups on campus.
The night started with dinner at 6:30 p.m. in the cafeteria, followed by the concert at 7:30 p.m. Tickets cost $25-$30. The concert was emceed by Joel Carlson, Costa’s band director, and Peter Park, Costa’s orchestra director.
“It’s fun seeing [Carlson and Park] have so much fun out there emceeing together,” said junior vocalist Alli Custer. “I liked the creativity in their script.”
The concert began with a special appearance by Carlson along with the Chamber Winds to play “Feuerfest!,” by Josef Strauss. Following this, the Sax Pack played Freddie Mercury’s “Bohemian Rhapsody.”
“I think the performance [of “Fuerfest!”] went pretty well; we all played fairly [well], and it was fun,” said junior baritone sax player Owen Sedlik. “It was planned for [Carlson] to play with us. We’ve been practicing this piece as a group once a week since around January.”
Next, We’ll be Bach One Day performed “Can You Feel the Love Tonight,” by Elton John, as well as “Dynamite,” by Taio Cruz, Lukasz Gottwald, Max Martin, Benjamin Levin and Bonnie McKee. Schmeaty Naters then played “When I Come Around,” by Green Day and Talking Heads’ “Life During Wartime.” The Xia duet consisted of two brothers who played “Duo for Violin and Cello No. 1,” by Ludwig Van Beethoven. The Marine Quartet played John Coltrane’s “My Favorite Things.”
“[We’ll be Bach One Day] did ‘Can You Feel the Love Tonight’ and ‘Dynamite,’ and it went pretty well,” said junior violist Julia Wilmarth. “We prepared for it for [about] three weeks, but we only met one day a week before performing.
After the intermission, the Tri-M group played “Viva La Vida,” by Coldplay. Following this the Wind Symphony performed Philip Sparke’s “Dance Movements, II. Molto Vivo.”
“We don’t get to come together with all three programs like that very often, so it’s something that’s really unique to Eclectic Ensembles,” said Custer. “I always love performing with them.”
The Enterprise Symphony followed with the song “Star Trek into Darkness: Main Theme,” by Michael Giacchino. Then, the Mamma Mia Pit Band performed Randy Newman’s “Theme from Monsters Inc,” proceeded by James Kazik and Allison Gilles’ “The Greatest Showman Medley,” performed by The Greatest Show.
“I was part of the Tri-M group and the Greatest Show group,” said junior violinist and vocalist Grace Chen. “My favorite performance overall was the Greatest Show one because that’s the one that we put more effort in. Our conductor, Mr. Castro, was hardworking as well as the vocals and instrumentalists. They put in lots of time to make this ensemble possible, and I’m so glad it worked out.”
The concert ended with the song “Backatown,” by Troy Andrews, played by Groove Central. Afterward, post-concert dessert and coffee was offered to each audience member.
“The concert overall was a blast,” said Chen. “There were 12 amazing acts, and each of them was very interesting and entertaining. From groups with cool props, vocals and bands, it was a very fun and enjoyable night with the help of our emcees, Mr. Park and Mr. Carlson.”
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