The Winter Concerts held December 9^th and 10^th at the Furnace Brook Middle School were a festive event for both young and old.

Despite the rain and wind on Wednesday night, the students still played to a packed audience. Director David Kaminski started the evening with the ever impressive Wind Ensemble. Directed by both Scott Brenner and Mr. Kaminski, the ensemble performed three numbers. Highlights were “In the Bleak Midwinter” a beautiful instrumental with a fabulous solo by Jake Lester and of course everyone’s favorite, “A Christmas Festival” which is a medley of some of the best-loved holiday songs.

The concert continued with three numbers from the Jazz Band II, all fabulous, and then a brief intermission before the Concert Orchestra came out. They performed four numbers, all delightful, before the Marshalairs came on. As always, the Marshalairs were very entertaining but especially with their rendition of “Dance of the Sugar Plum Fairy”.

Ending the night, both nights was the combined Choirs and Chamber Orchestra performing “Hallelujah Chorus” form The Messiah. If you’ve never seen this done by our musicians, then year brave the elements next year, whatever they are, and get out and see this performance. It is extraordinary!

Thursday night’s concert started with the Concert Band, directed by Mr. Scott Brenner and David Kaminski with the highlight being “A Short Suite for Band”. This was a difficult piece in three parts, done very well. Next Jazz Band I took the stage and wowed us with three great jazz numbers with my favorite being “Desafinado” a fabulous Bosa Nova style tune. After a short intermission, the Chamber Orchestra came out and gave us three beautiful pieces, the third being “Music for a Found Harmonium”, which was lots of fun.  Next up was Concert Choir, directed by Kara Reinshagen. Their second piece “The Drinking Gourd” highlighted the boys and they were outstanding.

The night ended again with everyone on their feet for “Hallelujah Chorus”.

Congratulations to the music staff and ALL our incredibly talented students. You are a credit to your school and to your community.