By Ruby Blue
Staff Writer
Mira Costa’s Music Department presented its annual Band Winter Concert to start the 2023 Winter Series on Dec. 1 at 7 p.m in the auditorium.
Throughout the night, four different groups–Symphonic Band, Wind Ensemble, Wind Symphony, and Jazz I–played an array of classical holiday favorites. According to senior trumpet player Devin Malik, the band put in a lot of preparation for this performance.
“We’ve spent most of the first semester preparing for this concert,” said Malik. “We rehearse daily and I practice at home for a few hours a week.”
The Symphonic Band performed “Dashing Through the Snow,” “On a Winter’s Eve,” and “The Most Wonderful Time of the Year.” Next, the Wind Ensemble played “Holiday Portraits” and “The Eighth Candle.”
“The holiday music is always very nostalgic to me,” said senior trumpet player Nia Nguyen. “It was bittersweet knowing it was my last concert, but after four years in the program, I was still very proud of everything we’ve done.”
Wind Symphony followed and played “Snow Caps” and “The Night Before Christmas,” as well selections from “Suite” from “The Nutcracker” (1987). After Jazz I played “God Rest Ye Merry Gentlemen” as well as songs from “The Nutcracker” (1978).
“Each segment of the ensemble did an amazing job at showcasing their talent as they performed,” said sophomore Coral Coye. “The auditorium was filled with holiday spirit, and everywhere you looked there were smiles coming from the audience.”
To end the night, the entire band program joined Jazz I onstage to play the song: “Have Yourself a Merry Little Christmas.” According to Malik, this song was one of the best of the night.
“My favorite part of the performance was during the finale piece ‘Have Yourself a Merry Little Christmas’,” said Malik. “It sounded amazing and it was a cool moment to experience with everyone else.”
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