By Armita Rohani
After months of dedication and hard work, the music department performed three concerts in a matter of eight days, concluding the 2022-2023 fall concert season. Chorale, band, and orchestra played on October 19, 25 and 27 respectively at 7pm each in the auditorium this year. East’s music wing put on wonderful and memorable performances that transformed the atmosphere of the auditorium. Audiences both young and old were able to witness a mesmerizing show as music effortlessly consumed the space. With the guidance and support of our music teachers, Ms. Reilly, Ms. Aroune, Mr. Lanighan, Mr. McCluskey, and Ms. Ieda, these concerts were inarguably successful.
The chorus department, comprised of Women’s Chorus, Mixed Chorus, Vocal Jazz and Chorale, performed“O Lux Beatissima,” “A Wink and a Smile,””The Highlights of Jekyll and Hyde,” “Go Down Moses,” “I Put a Spell on You,” “Danny Boy,” and “Dies Irae.” These talented individuals put on a remarkable show for the audience, “Dies Irae” transformed the atmosphere, “I Put a Spell on You” brought vibrancy and energy, and “Go Down Moses” was fun and upbeat. Under the guidance of Ms. Aroune and Ms. Rielly, the chorus concert was dynamic and entertaining for all those who came to see it.
Band, composed of Concert Band, Wind Ensemble and Jazz Band, played “Fanfare for Flight,” “In the Shining of the Stars,” “Fiero,” “Battle Hymn of the Republic,” “October,” “Courtly Airs and Dances,” “Salvation is Created,” and “Things Ain’t What They Used to Be.” This concert was undeniably energetic, with songs that were upbeat, lively, and intense. The boys’ soccer team rushed back in the nick of time and delivered a fantastic performance. With a final twist, Wind Ensemble stood and played “Salvation is Created” by memory amongst the audience members. With the encouragement of Mr. Lanighan and Mr, McCluskey, it is evident that band will continue to impress East’s community with their performances and growth: “I thought it was a nice first concert and that the kids did a great job with the semi-chaotic situation. I’m excited to see how the next one will turn out.
Finally, the Symphonic and Philharmonic Orchestras, as well as several quartet groups, performed “Quinten,” “The Hunt,” “This is Halloween,” “Waltz from Sleeping Beauty,” “Warrior Legacy,” “Divertimento,” “Quartet in C Major,” “Death and the Maiden,” “Variations on a Theme by Tchaikovsky,” “Fingal’s Cave,” and “The Empire Strikes Back.” Even though this was the last concert, it was definitely not the least. “This is Halloween” set the mood for “spooky season,” and “The Empire Strikes Back” gave the audience goosebumps. Pieces that varied with tone, rhythms, melody, and dynamics were played, showing how strong our orchestral groups are and the effort they put into music: “We’ve accomplished great things and have been working on really hard music, and I’m confident that we can do so much moving forward; the foundation is there.” Without Ms. Ieda’s navigation and instruction, this concert would not have been the success it came to be.
East has a phenomenal and strong music program that is composed of students that work hard and show their dedication towards music. They will continue to work hard to prepare for the next concert, Winterfest.
