On Wednesday, December 10th, the Fair Grove High School Band held their annual Winter Concert. The concert consisted of a mix of jazz combo, marching band, and concert band pieces.
Marley Patton (10) plays the clarinet for concert band and marching band. Band teacher Natalie Palomo estimated about 80 people in attendance. The band played a mix of Christmas music and other classical music. Jazz combo started off the night playing Jingle Bells and We Wish You a Merry Christmas. Marching band followed them by playing God Rest.
Palomo also stated, “I love seeing the kids transition from marching season into concert season, getting to play different music instead of our show! It’s fun to hear them explore new music. I think it’s special because it’s put together pretty quickly and also forces the kids to lock in on their music early and with intention.”
She continued, “We get to show off our skills in a way marching season doesn’t allow. My favorite song is probably ‘Majesty of the Mountains.’ It has a lot of contrast and is really fun to conduct and hear.”
The concert band is made up of three sections, woodwind, brasswind, and percussion. Each section has its own job in the concert. Each one of the ten jazz combo members other than the percussion had a solo. The jazz combo is made up of three saxophone players, two trumpet players, two trombone players, one guitar player, and two percussion players. Palomo also plays in the Jazz Combo.
Patton said, “I think the winter concert is special for high school band because it’s our first actual concert after marching season and it’s fun to experience that with the seniors each year and how we grow as a band each year. My favorite song in the concert is probably going to be ‘Haunted Sleigh Ride.’”
