Fall Sampler Review

By Norah Lesperance

Einstein’s Fall Sampler Concert on Oct. 29 was a stunning first look at this year’s large group of musical Titans. Audience members had the privilege of hearing students from all grade levels in seven different ensembles showcase their vocal and instrumental skills under the incredible direction of choral director Peter Smeallie and instrumental director Gregory Casement.

The concert began with Smeallie’s performance groups as he noted the accidental theme of love present throughout the four upcoming pieces. The Vocal Ensemble showcased two pieces, their first was “Seasons of Love” with soloists sophomore Anastasia Wixon and freshman Amina Muhunga, followed by “Ezekiel Saw The Wheel.” Smeallie’s students continued to shine as the Chamber Singers performed “When I Fall In Love,” where sophomore Amelia Beard showcased a solo section, and “O Love.” Both songs sent chills throughout the auditorium, displaying the hard work and talent of Chambers. Einstein teacher Scott Camillo periodically provided incredible piano accompaniments for both groups.

The remainder of the Fall Sampler consisted of musical arrangements performed by Casement’s five ensembles. Concert Orchestra began with the high-energy piece “Burst” and finished their performance with “Black Diamond.” Concert Band followed them with more exciting arrangements, “Fanfare for a New Age” and “First Sun.” Both groups were conducted by Casement.

The Symphonic Ensemble, consisting of strings, woodwinds, brass, and percussion, opened with the Percussion Ensemble’s rendition of “Little Spice.” The entire group joined in to perform the dramatic “Tragic Overture” before they closed out with “Resurgences” with solos from senior Samantha Linares on the trumpet, senior Peter Wertz on the clarinet, senior Jaylen McCullough on the cello, and senior Jaysl Dumaop on the violin.

The Fall Sampler ended with the last of Casement’s ensembles, Jazz Lab Band and Jazz Ensemble, described by Casement as performing a “culture and art form created with and for the people.” The pieces from both groups brought a lively energy to the end of the concert. Jazz Lab Band presented “Flight of the Foo Birds” and “Blue Bossa Nova,” with solos by junior Nathan Reyes on the alto saxophone, freshman Nestor Fabritz Lugo on the trumpet, and sophomore Sam Buxton on the euphonium, and sophomore Niko Arvanitakis also on the alto saxophone. Jazz Ensemble wrapped up the concert with “Boplicity” and the roaring and high-energy finale “Two Seconds to Midnight.” Many musicians were featured from the Ensemble: senior Langston Keene on the trumpet, senior Charlotte Landry on the baritone saxophone, sophomore Shane Kent on the piano, junior Gavin Johanssen on the guitar, Wertz on the drums, and multi-time soloist and crowd favorite senior Alex Wendell on the trombone.

The Fall Sampler Concert was a true crowd-pleaser, demonstrating the amazing work that the Einstein community can expect from the instrumental music department throughout the rest of the year.