With Christmas time just around the corner, the Ripon High music programs show off what they have learned and practiced in their first semester by performing in their Winter Concert which happened on Dec. 2. They spread their joy and appreciation of music through playing for other people and are oftentimes seen performing around the community. Just earlier this week the Advanced Choir and the Concert Band performed at the Annual Christmas Tree Lighting in Downtown Ripon.
The concert began with the Beginning Choir who sang well known songs like Carol of the Bells and some unique songs as well. They had a freshmen soloist, Giavana Barberis who sang a beautiful melody.
Next was the Advanced Choir who even with their small numbers had a powerful impact on the audience filling the whole space with their glorious melodies and beautiful voices. The members of this choir had been in the beginning choir in the past, but have since worked their way up to auditioning for the Advanced Choir where they sing more difficult arrangements and learn new and harder techniques.
The Concert Orchestra performed next with exciting and fast paced songs, as well as slow and thoughtful pieces. They played fun Christmas pieces one being Your a Mean One, Mr. Grinch, bringing a jolly and festive spirit into the building. The orchestra played advanced songs that were really difficult and there were some rough parts.
Kaylee Randall, a senior who is in both band and orchestra states, “I think the most memorable thing that happened at the concert for me was probably when I finally got one of my runs in Subterranean right, and I got it right on the night of the concert.”
There was a jazz band that practices after school once a week, similar to a club, who performed two pieces that had solos by the pianist, saxophone, and the drums.
Lastly, finishing strong was the Concert Band who from percussion to the wood winds and everything between had an amazing performance. They played merry and bright songs, one being a medley of Christmas songs from the holiday movie Home Alone.
While each group had their own separate list of songs, they came together and played festive Christmas songs together, one being Sleigh Ride which was a combined piece with Orchestra and Band. And then at the end, all of the groups got together and showed school spirit and unity by playing the Ripon High Hymn. The joy and brightness could be seen everywhere as the students smiled with happiness while playing and singing.
Randall states, “It was a great experience for the music program, as it’s a yearly tradition. While there were some rough patches for each ensemble, I think altogether everybody did really well.”
These students are doing amazing things by spreading merriment to not only our school, but also the community. The Ripon High music students were able to show their talents and everything they had learned, and it meant a lot to them to see the audience filled with people who supported them.
