Last Thursday, the Middletown North Auditorium was filled with the sound of a symphony by the Middletown North Concert Band.  They played eight pieces including Second Suite in F by Gustav Holst, Chesford Portrait by James Swearingen and John Williams in Concert.  The students involved were either in Concert Band class or participating in Half Band, an after school activity for those not able to fit the class into their schedule.

Between each piece played, senior players as well as certain sections of the band were highlighted with complimentary solos.  Mike Ventoso played an etude, a practice piece on trombone.  He is going to Bard conservatory to study classical music on trombone.  Sophia D’Alessandro, Dan Sarafian and Andrew Tachine played the trumpet feature of Bugler’s Holiday.

Andrew Tachine and alumni, Eric Ficcara, played a snare drum solo of Salt Peanuts by Dizzy Gillespie.  Andrew Tachine will be attending Eastman School of Music to pursue Jazz Percussion.   The woodwind instruments, i.e. flutes, clarinets, saxophones, had a spotlight piece called Abide With Me by Henry Lyte.

The most exciting part of the concert was the John Williams piece that included infamous film scores such as Star Wars and Jaws.  The saxophones shined in the music played in the Chalmun’s Cantina during the famous Greedo-Han Solo scene.

At the finale of the concert, the seniors in the band were recognized for their commitment to MHSN Concert Band.  The seniors included Andrew Tachine, Michael Ventoso, Sophia D’Alessandro, Ryan Knight, Elizabeth Sheridan, Daniel Sarafian, Hannah Lafargue, Chase Peccoraro, Patrick Pfleger, Elle Ward and John Hare.

Sophia D’Alessandro was awarded with John Philips Sousa Award for her commitment to the music department of Middletown North throughout her four years.  Sophia was also Drum Major in the MHSN Orange Wave Marching Band.

Mrs. Lyon, the band director, conducted the concert as she does annually.  She is very involved in the North Music Department, teaching a variety of music classes as well as being the director of the MHSN Orange Wave Marching Band and involved in the Pit Orchestra for the Spring Musical.

The concert Band has two concerts per year, a winter and a spring, to show the Middletown community their musical skill, they also play at graduation.  The underclassmen play the traditional Pomp and Circumstance as their fellow senior band members walk with their class.  Senior band members have an opportunity to play a final piece with their peers during the ceremony.