Photo Credit: CHARLIE BLODNIEKS
BY CHARLIE BLODNIEKS
On Friday, December 13th, the Wind Ensemble and Symphonic Band of Cooper City High School played their Winter Concert at 7:30 in the CCHS auditorium.
The band put in many hours, in and out of school, to make this concert possible. Described by Band Director Christopher Schletter as a stepping stone for the expectations of next semester, the Winter Concert was the first of the program’s public performances of this year.
The CCHS band is comprised of two main parts: Symphonic Band and Wind Ensemble. The Symphonic Band is made up mostly of underclassmen, and they played the “Christmas Pop Medley”, “Chanukah Tryptic”, and “Manatee Lyric Overture”. “Manatee Lyric Overture” was the most difficult piece many of the members had ever played, according to Schletter. Symphonic Band spans over two class periods, one for woodwinds (third period) and one for brass instruments (fourth period). The two classes had only two rehearsals in which to come together and practice their three pieces. According to Schletter, the Symphonic Band has improved most, due to the fact that they had more room to grow as musicians.
“The symphonic band has come so far since the beginning of the year. Many students switched instruments, had little experience, or haven’t picked up their instrument since the end of last year, and that same group put on one of the best shows I’ve ever been a part of,” trumpet player Gabrielle Fickinger said.
The Wind Ensemble is made up primarily of upperclassmen, and only has two freshmen: clarinet players Melanie Smith and Juan Mayz. Wind Ensemble performed “Second Suite in F for Military Band”, “Pas Redoublé”, and “Sleigh Ride”. Significantly smaller than Symphonic Band, the Wind Ensemble was mostly fine-tuning their skills in the semester before the concert, said Schletter.
The Winter Concert was holiday-centric, and according to many who watched, set high standards for upcoming concerts. Both Schletter and many members claim that the concert was highly representative of the work they’ve done during the first semester.
“I see a lot of progress to be made before we can reach superior ratings at district and state festivals, however we have achieved a lot since the beginning of the year and have grown enormously as an ensemble, as displayed in our Winter Concert,” Band Secretary Zabryna Atkinson-Diaz said.
After the Winter Concert, many members have high hopes for the next semester.
“The potential of this band lies in the potential of the students. I think they have ability to become more than they think that they are,” Schletter said.
