Embedded Files
Written by: Leena El-Said
Photos by: Jenny Breau
Contributor: Zara Ahluwalia
On December 1st at 7pm, excitement buzzed as the music program held its annual Winter Concert in Blakelock’s studio theater. This night brought an incredible turnout of students, parents and teachers, all supporting the work of the music students who put in countless hours preparing for this performance.
The night’s events were led by the two hilarious MCs; Grade 12 music students and band kids Nick Murray and Madeline Ferguson whose jokes added entertainment to the evening. The night was filled with incredible performances by Symphonic, Blakelock’s Junior Band, combined with the Ninth Credit Class, Jazz Band, String Ensemble, Wind Ensemble, the Senior Band, and a duet featuring TL Sutherland and Melody Fanaian.
Symphonic and Ninth Credit, led by dedicated teacher Mrs. Barry, prepared 3 unique pieces for this evening. They performed Majestica by Brian Balmages, A Prehistoric Suite, a series of four movements that each represent a different species of dinosaur, and the classic Rudolph the Red Nosed Reindeer. For this piece, Mrs. Barry invited Blakelock student, JS, to help lead and conduct the group in their performance. For many students just learning to play an instrument or further exploring how to play as part of a band, their performances were a great showcase of the effort put in so far this year.
Symphonic and Ninth credit performing, conducted by Mrs. Barry.
Following this was an impressive student-led duet, featuring grade 11 musician TL Sutherland on the flute and Grade 12 musician Melody Fanaian the piano as they played the piece they selected and prepared themselves; Hypnosis by Ian Clarke.
Next, Jazz band took to the stage with their matching Santa Hats and funky sunglasses and performed the pieces Walk the Dinosaur featuring grade 12 musicians Zania Jackson and Nigel Peesker, Burritos to Go featuring Zania Jackson on alto saxophone and Stefan Antic on congas, and finally, the snazzy, You’re A Mean One, Mr. Grinch.
The beautiful String Ensemble also performed a special version of a James Bond theme, arranged by TL Sutherland, and the classic My Favorite Things from The Sound Of Music.
The Student-Led String Ensemble's act.
TL Sutherland and Melody Fanaian after performing their duet.
Blakelock's legendary Jazz Band.
Wind Ensemble performing, conducted by Ms. Abbott
Finally, Wind Ensemble, led by the wonderful Ms. Abbott, brought it all to the stage with their uniquely decorated festive instruments and performed the lyrical piece Filum Vitae, the fast paced and percussion heavy Scramble, and Polar Express, fully conducted by Grade 12 student Hannah Kohler, a tradition in the music program that has made its return after the pandemic.
Grade 12 musician Zania Jackson declared, “It was a really chaotic but fun experience, we all worked really hard for these performances. My favorite part was being able to stand on a chair during some of the pieces, and there were also a lot of funny moments, like when Hannah [Kohler] accidentally hit me on the head with her trombone.”
The musicians shared the tight stage that brought them together, and although there were a few last minute forgotten sheets of music and technical difficulties throughout the night, everyone handled and fixed each obstacle with grace, and it made for a memorable and enjoyable night.
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