Final Concert: The Conclusion to the Musical Year

Written by: Nino Nguyen

Photos by: TL Sutherland, Nino Nguyen’s Dad

Edited by: Ava Puhlmann

Contributor: Gloria Shi

On Thursday, May 16th 2024, TAB’s Music Department held their annual spring concert, also known as their final concert, in the large gym. There, musicians showcased their passion for music.

The concert opened with Percussion Ensemble led by grade 12 musician TL Sutherland. After months of work, they showed off their hard work with Boom Bap by Nick Werth, a difficult rhythmic piece with various percussion. Then TL, who will be attending Wilfrid Laurier University for music, was given a Laurier hoodie for their contributions as Student of Excellence and as a beloved band member. 

(Check out the Student of Excellence article here)

Next, the Jazz Band grooved with Topsy arranged by John Berry, featuring a solo by Connor Hindle on tenor sax. They followed with Tiger of San Pedro arranged by Paul Lavender, with a trumpet solo by Muhammad Ba. 

Shortly after, the choir led by Mrs. Barry performed J’entends Le Moulin arranged by Emily Crocker and Adiemus by Karl Jenkins. Additionally, this group was preparing for adjudication at Wonderland. Lastly, Symphonic Winds, conducted by Mrs. Barry performed Syzygy by Viet Cuong, Rhapsody on Doraji Taryeong by Janet Kim, and Bugs by David Shaffer. 

After a short intermission, Ninth Credit band, conducted by Mrs. Abbott, played The Legend of Devil’s Lake by Michael Sweeney and Counterbalance by Todd Stalter. Following, the Rubber Bandz, led by Jack Pinette, rocked out with three tunes, Just a Girl by No Doubt, Starlight by Muse, and Sk8er Boi by Avril Lavigne. 

Wind Ensemble concluded the show with Ludlow by Roland Barett, then the world premiere of Liiiive! commissioned by TAB alumni Jasmine Hourahine, and Arabesque by Samuel Hazo, featuring soloist flutist Sun Min Choi, attaining an enthusiastic standing ovation.

“As every concert goes, the more you build up during the year, the better it gets. So for the people who were there, it was definitely an experience to show all the work we put in throughout the year,” reflected grade 11 guitarist and euphonium player, AJ Straith-Lucic.

In conclusion, the audience was impressed by all the hard work and dedication presented by these amazing high school musicians by the end of the year.