On Monday, March 4, 2024, at 7:00 Pm, the WRHS band had their first concert of the second semester.

This concert showcased the talents of the woodwind ensemble and concert band, directed by Ms. Casey, and the symphonic band and wind ensemble, directed by Mr. Chaffee.

The woodwind ensemble performed one song before the concert officially started. This was a great background noise for people walking in to get a taste of the concert that was about to start. They played the song Mock Morris by Percy Grainger, and arranged by Aric Branchield.

The concert band was next, playing a program of 3 songs. The first song was titled Blue Ridge Reel, composed by Brian Balmages. This song pays homage to the Blue Ridge Mountains. The second song was titled Fragile, composed by Randall Standridge. This song touches on and encompasses the lives of those living with a mental illness. The last song was titled Adrenaline Engines, also composed by Randall Standridge. This engages the audience in a chaotic adventure through music.

The symphonic band performed 2 songs, the first being called ‘Twas in the Moon of Wintertime, composed by Anne Mcginty, and the second being titled Festivo, composed by Vaclav Nalhybel. The first song was the first ever Canadian Christmas carol. The second song was about the woodwinds and brasses constantly confronted each other, almost like a battle.

Lastly, the wind ensemble performed three songs, Awakening Hills, by Richard L. Saucedo, Song for Lyndsay, by Andrew Boysen, and lastly Africa: Ceremony, Song and Ritual, by Robert W. Smith. These songs had a variety of different meanings, from sharing culture, sharing a love song to his wife, and a piece named after the Loess Hills in Iowa.

This was a well-rounded and unique concert that is starting the band off with a great start to the second semester.