Music Director Brandon Rhinehart and his students worked hard practicing to prepare for their Winter Concert which took place on December 9 in the UCHS auditorium..
“Our jazz band and orchestra worked hard preparing for this concert for several weeks. We chose a mix of music and practiced every day in class, plus we had sectionals on Thursdays. We concentrated on the overall sound of the group before we focused on details like volume and tuning,” said Rhinehart.
“As the director of the orchestra and band, I spend time with the students during class, assisting them with their instruments. I often collaborate with the Tech Theater Leader, who makes sure the lighting, sound, and stage are all set up nicely for our performances. The students really put in a lot of effort on their own too. They practice the music and work hard outside of school to learn their parts,” said Rhinehart.
“There were not any special guests for the performance, but there were some solo performances. Our jazz musicians did a few improvised solos, and some of the first chair players in the string ensembles showcased their solos at the concert,” said Rhinehart.
Rhinehart explained that even though the concert isn’t just a holiday event, it did include many festive songs, in the hopes of creating a cheerful vibe for everyone. “We played classic holiday tunes along with some winter-themed music to fit the season,” Rhinehart said.
This annual concert is a big deal for many students, especially those who are new to the orchestra and jazz band. “It’s their first major concert, and we usually start with simpler music to help them build their skills,” said Rhinehart.
“Since this is the shortest concert cycle of the year, we had less time to prepare, but the progress we saw was really impressive. The concert was also special for their families because it gave them an opportunity to see what we’ve started to work on and what the student ability level is at the start of the year,” said Rhinehart.
“Most of the students in the jazz band and orchestra are still getting used to the school year. When they perform in our concert in May, they will have a way to compare their progress from the start of the year to the end,” said Rhinehart.
“Playing in this Winter Concert, we tried to improve a lot based on our progress from the beginning of the year,” said Freshman Island Lowrey, a member of the orchestra. They were aiming to just get an overall better sound as an orchestra and jazz band. “I feel like it was just super well rounded. We wanted to make it impressive on stage,” said Lowrey.
“Students not only played pieces in full ensemble but also in smaller chamber groups, which helped them work together and connect as musicians. “In these small groups, students have to really listen and collaborate to put on a great performance,” said Rhinehart.
Senior Band Member Kailey Shim said, “We were excited to play the holiday themed songs, but it was not only the carols and Christmas tunes that we devoted our time to.”
“I think it’s awesome when people feel good about the music they already know. Having that background knowledge really helped for this concert. When people know the songs, they feel confident, happy, and really get into the holiday spirit,” said Lowrey.
As they got ready for the concert, Lowry said, the bond among the group grew stronger. “Playing in front of our family and friends really helps us feel more confident. Everyone is supportive, which makes our performance even better,” said Lowrey.
The concert was not just a chance to show off their skills but also a way to highlight how much they’ve improved this school year. “It’s good for us to see our progress from the beginning of the year to the end. The audience usually gets really into it, especially during the holidays,” said Shim.