By Isiah REYES

Crescenta Valley High School’s Instrumental Music Dept. presented its 2014 instrumental winter concert to a full house of supportive friends and family on Friday at the school’s auditorium.

The instrumental winter concert featured the school’s wind ensemble, jazz band, string orchestra, marching band, drumline and color guard. It was conducted by Mat Schick.

“They did an exceptional job tonight,” said Schick. “I was very impressed with their ability to focus and perform the music we’ve been practicing. It was a great way to end the season.”

The wind ensemble played “A Show Stoppin’ Christmas” as well as classics such as “A Charlie Brown Christmas.” The wind ensemble is comprised of flute players, trumpet players, clarinet players and more. In total there are close to 50 students in the ensemble.

The jazz band followed playing “Santa’s in Town” and “Oh Holy Night” among others. Every performance by the jazz band had a different stand out star who delivered an impressive saxophone solo.

The time it takes to practice the songs depends on the class. The marching band started in July but most every class started at the end of October. The week prior to the performance, the different music groups practiced in the auditorium to get used to the sound and space. It helped build up confidence … and it showed.

“It was great,” said jazz band drummer Suraj Parthasarathy. “I thought we did a really great job. Somehow, we performers of the CV music department have a way of playing and making it count.”

The string orchestra took over after the jazz band and performed “The Bells of Christmas.” This music group consists of violin, viola, cello, bass, percussion and piano players. The symphony followed with a rendition of “March of the Toys” that sounded like the toys would come alive at any moment.

For a grand finale, the marching band, drumline, and color guard marched in from the back of the auditorium to take center stage. The marching band performed “Deck the Halls March” followed by a performance of “Ascension,” which showcased the color guard twirling flags and rifles in the air in a dazzling display of precision.

Not to be outdone, the winter concert proved that the students in the CV High School Visual and Performing Arts Dept. know how to deliver a top-notch show.

Next year’s concert can only be better.

“The turnout was great, we always have a lot of people showing up to our concert,” Parthasarathy said. “We really appreciate the support and having our parents here.”

  Isiah REYES