BAND AND CHORUS JAMMING OUT AT THEIR ANNUAL POPS CONCERT

By TONI-ANN HOM

Every year, the band and chorus classes come together for a wonderful pops concert for everyone to enjoy. A pops concert consist of groups of musicians performing popular music and show tunes as well as well-known classical work. Mr. Wurster, the chorus teacher at Washingtonville High School, conducted the concert choir, treble choir, and the chamber choir. Mr Briggs, a band teacher at the high school, conducted the concert band and the jazz ensemble. Mr. Contzius, also a band teacher, conducted the wind ensemble. In addition, there was a special performance by the percussion ensemble. Each group performed a group of songs and, without a doubt, amazed the audience. 

TONI-ANN HOM FOR WIZARD WEEKLY

Mr. Wurster is very proud of how well his students performed. The chorus groups have been rehearsing for this event since their winter concert concluded in December.  Not only did they start working on the pops concert music, but also music for their spring concert coming up on Thursday, May 18th.  Mr. Wurster explained how the students’ hard work and dedication paid off.  “It's a lot to be preparing for two concerts at once, but that’s what makes us better. The students actually chose the songs that they wanted to sing, and I was there to make sure it was performance ready.”  

The concert choir performed I’ll be There and Jubilate!  The treble choir, which consists of only girls, performed Stay with Me and Geronimo. Last, but certainly not least, the chamber choir, which is more advanced, sang Run To You and Season of Love.  

Coffee House is also another event that the chorus students have to look forward to. Coffee House will be on April 20th at the High School.  It is a fundraiser for an illiteracy organization. On top of all the concert rehearsals, students have their Coffee House performances to perfect as well. 

As always, Mr. Briggs and Mr. Contzius are also proud of how well their students performed.  Mr.Briggs explained how the band students managed to prepare for the night. “We're always keeping our students busy with pieces to be working on and we decide on which music to play based off that. We have also been working on this concert since January as well as our spring concert.  Students are always welcome in our concert band and we are always having fun!” 

The concert band performed three pieces of music: Cartoon Symphony, Hallelujah, and John Williams in Concert. The wind ensemble performed two intermediate pieces: The Irish Washerwoman and Africa: Ceremony, Song, and Ritual. A special performance from the percussion ensemble was incredible!  They used upside down metal garbage cans to perform, Stinkin’ Garbage.  The Jazz Ensemble played Take Five, All of Me, and Cool. 

The Jazz Ensemble comes in every Tuesday and Thursday to rehearse at 6:30 am before the beginning of the school day. In a couple of weeks, there will be a jazz concert at the high school. Bands from other schools will be making an appearance. It’s a night that you don't want to miss!