By Sierra Williams
Staff Writer
The Mira Costa Concert Band, Wind Ensemble, Symphonic Band and Jazz bands presented their concert, “The Festival Series,” on the nights of March 1 and 2 in the Costa auditorium.
The purpose of this concert for the bands was to practice their performances for Festival, which is on March 23 at California State University Fullerton.
“This concert was our home performance in preparation for Festival,” band director Joel Carlson said. “Festival is an opportunity for us to receive commentary on how we’re doing from educators and professionals.”
Concert Band performed “Masque” by W. Francis McBeth and “A Huntingdon Celebration” by Philip Sparke. Symphonic Band performed “Ride” by Samuel R. Hazo and “Fantasia for Band” by Vittorio Giannini. Wind Ensemble performed “Adagio Sostenuto” by Vincent Persichetti and “Festival Variations” by Claude T. Smith on March 1.
“I think the performance went well,” Wind Ensemble member sophomore Sarah Kennedy said. “On our last note, I heard Mr. Carlson scream, ‘Yes!’”
Jazz Band III performed “All’s Well That Ends Well” by Jon Phelps, “Katie” by Sammy Nestico and “Basie’s Beat” by Paul Baker. Jazz Band II performed “Basie-Straight Ahead” by Sammy Nestico and “Morocco” by Russ Freeman. Jazz Band I performed “Hay Burner” by Sammy Nestico, “Minuano” by Pat Metheny, “Love is Here to Stay” by George and Ira Gershwin and “Beat Street” by David Benoit and Jeff Lorber on March 2.
“My favorite part was the jazz concert,” Jazz Band and Wind Ensemble member junior Steven Padilla said. “Everyone got to wear sunglasses.”
During the upcoming weeks, the Costa bands will continue to practice and prepare their performances for Festival.
“Now that this concert is done, I’m really looking forward to Festival,” Wind Ensemble member sophomore Eric Liu said.
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