Miramonte High School's Newspaper

The Mirador

Miramonte High School's Newspaper

The Mirador

Miramonte High School's Newspaper

The Mirador

Orinda District Band Concert, Staff Writer

On Wednesday, March 30 2016, Miramonte High School hosted the annual Orinda District Band Concert. The OIS Bulldog Band, Miramonte Concert Band / Miramonte Symphonic Band attended. Each band had a chance to play a short set of five pieces and exhibit their ability in front of an audience of friends, family and other music lovers.

The Miramonte band played five different songs composed by artists including Mozart and Joseph Compello, entitled: “Antares”, “Yorkshire Ballad”, “A Medley of George Gershwin Songs”, “A Rondo”, and “Gypsy Dance”. The Gershwin piece, a compilation of songs from the popular American jazz composer, was a favorite amongst many band members, including junior trumpet player Jeremy O’Neil. “The Medley of Gershwin was fun to play because he’s just an amazing composer,” O’Neil said. “His impact on the music of that time period was monumental.”

Preparation for upcoming concerts is taken very seriously by the musicians. After performing in a given concert or festival, the band spends their class period every day rehearsing the set for their next upcoming concert. This allows the band to have months of practice and therefore allows for a smooth concert. “We prepare by tuning our instruments every day at the beginning of class and then running through our entire set,” Junior baritone saxophone player Giuliano Avella said, “Mr. Uyeno is very helpful as he guides us through the sheet music and makes sure to fix any problems that come up through individual work with students.”

The band looks forward to playing in the Spring Concert on Thurs May 26. Although many parents and some students stop by concerts to support and listen to the band, the musicians collectively hope for an even greater turnout. “My goal for the rest of this year and my senior year is to increase the concert attendance of students who aren't necessarily involved in the performing arts,” Avella said. “This way we can possibly inspire more people to join the band and pursue a possible talent in music.”

All content by Kate Dunn
Activate Search
Kate Dunn