On stage for the first time this school year, the Junior High Band and Senior High Band performed in the new gym on November 18.
The bands are directed by Erik Hermanson.
The Junior High Band opened with “Great Beginnings,” an energetic composition with engaging melodies, full harmonies and active rhythms.
Next up was “Furioso,” a vigorous and passionate overture that demonstrated the fresh energy of the seventh and eighth graders.
From there, it was “Air Force One” with its rhythmic drive and uplifting melody that evoked the proud spirit symbolized by the famous presidential aircraft.
The audience that packed the bleachers might have squirmed a bit at the next selection, “Creepy Crawlies,” which induced images of hovering bugs. But rest assured, the bugs got it in the end. The piece featured staccato work and the trumpeters playing their mouthpieces.
The junior high students closed with Union March. Like all marches, it featured contrasting sections, called strains, including a “dog fight” strain, a raucous penultimate section that depicts two opposing forces battling musically.
Putting a smile on the face of anyone who grew up in the 80s, the Senior High Band (above) opened with Huey Lewis and the News’ 1982 breakthrough top 10 hit “Do You Believe in Love?”
Staying in the 80s, next up was the Hermanson arranged “Journey Mashup,” a medley of “Open Arms,” “Oh Sherrie,” “Anyway You Want It,” “Separate Ways” and “Don’t Stop Believin.’”
Hermanson also arranged “Beach Medley,” which followed. It was a mix of “Wipeout,” “I Get Around,” “Fun, Fun, Fun,” “Hawaii 5-0,” “In My Room,” “Help Me Rhonda,” “Good Vibrations” and “Barbara Ann.” Wipeout was by The Surfaris, and Hawaii 5-0 was by The Ventures. The rest of the tunes were Beach Boys hits.
The upperclassmen closed with “Armed Forces Tribute,” a striking medley, in march tempo, of tunes associated with the Armed Services.
Next up for the Cleveland Music program, the Holiday Band will unite for performance at the FFA Craft Fair on December 7, the boys and girls basketball games on December 10, a concert at the Mall of America on December 12, a concert in the commons on December 16 and during the Elementary Concert the afternoon of December 20.
