Winter Band Concert

By Echo Margary, 2027

Published 12/27/23

In this series of interviews, Cheshire High School band members reflect on their Winter Concern and their experience in the band so far. 

Anna Roth is a junior who plays the mellophone for the Cheshire High School band but specifically learned french horn to solo in the concert.  

Q: How do you feel the band concert went?

A: I feel that the winter band concert went fantastic. The whole band worked so hard with our directors, Miss Conrad and Miss Heller, to improve our performance. We couldn't have asked for better support from our audience that was filled with parents, classmates, and especially our fellow music students in the orchestra. While it may have been a long road, the entire band was surely excited and ready. 

Q: How did you feel about your solo and performing it?

A: I felt so nervous performing my solo but once we were on stage I knew I could do it. This was my first band concert in high school and my first concert playing the french horn. I practiced a lot in classes and during some of my study halls with Miss Conrad too. After all the practice I was still nervous during the dress rehearsal and the concert but my directors and classmates cheered me on the whole time. I specifically remember after the concert Miss Conrad said to me "That was so beautiful, I am so proud of you." I couldn't have done it without the support of my friends and teachers.

Q: How was your experience with a new activity?

A: Experiencing a new activity can be scary especially since it can be a big transition. For me, the transition into the band was amazing. Everyone welcomed me and supported me endlessly. I was obviously scared but after the first class, I knew everything was going to turn out just fine. I never felt like I was alone and I always knew that my hard work would pay off.

Q: What got you into band?

A: The first time I remember being interested in band was when I saw my older siblings participating in it. I was in 5th grade knowing that I loved music and saw the opportunity with the band classes offered. Immediately after I started, I knew that was something I wanted to do and my passion for the musical arts has stuck ever since.

Jack Lengyel is a senior here at CHS who has been in band since freshman year playing the clarinet. Jack also soloed in the Winter concert. 

Q: How do you feel about being a senior?

A: I've had a great time in band over the past four years and I'm really sad that it will come to an end soon. I really enjoy band and this experience has been an amazing one. 

Q: How did you feel about performing your solo at the concert?

A: I was really nervous but very excited at the same time. I was very excited and pumped up before the performance. However while playing i was quite nervous but as time went on the nerves went away. 

Q: How was this concert different from concerts in the past?

A: This was our first concert with Ms. Conrad and other new members of staff. Not only that but the order that the bands went in was very different from last year's concert. 

Q: How did you feel about the concert?

A: I think we did very well when it comes to the music and our transitions between bands. Our transitions this year ran a lot more smoothly compared to last year.

Q: What got you into concert band?

A: I first signed up for band in fifth grade and have played an instrument ever since. 

Q: Is there anything you would like to say?

A:  I feel like we had a great performance and I think everyone that played was happy with their performance.

Jenna Ein Alshaeba is a freshman and plays the viola for the Cheshire High School orchestra, soloing in the concert. Jenna has played the viola ever since fifth grade and joined the Cheshire High School orchestra this year. 

Q: How did you feel about performing your solo at the concert?

A: I felt nervous at first, but I knew how much I practiced beforehand and that I was well prepared.

Q: How did you feel about the concert?

A: I think the band and orchestra did a great job. It really showed all the work we put into this. 

Q: How was this concert different from any concerts in middle school? 

A: Playing in the auditorium was much better than in the gym, like how we did in middle school. It felt like the audience could actually take us seriously. 

Q: What got you into concert band?

A: I started playing in 5th grade when students had the chance to choose an instrument. Eventually, I started thinking I was too far in to quit, and I'm glad I didn't. 

Jacob Tierney is a junior here at CHS and plays the tenor saxophone for the Cheshire High School band and marching band and learned oboe just for the concert where he soloed. 

Q: How did you feel about performing your solo at the concert?

A: I was kinda nervous at first, but as soon as I started playing it went away. I thought I did pretty well and the praise from my friends, my family, and the staff was very positive. 

Q: How was this concert different from concerts in the past?

A: This was the first concert with Ms. Conrad, our new band director. There was a lot of change but it was all good change. Everyone in the band and orchestra were all very excited for it and I think we did the concert justice. 

Q: How did you feel about the concert?

A: I think it went very well. The organizational kinks we had last year and during the rehearsals worked out well during the concert. I'm very proud of all my classmates in the concert and can’t wait to see what's next for this year. 

Q: What got you into concert band?

A: I signed up for band in 5th grade and I decided to stick with it throughout middle and high school. I'm really glad I stuck with it and that I have come this far.