Small Ensembles Perform Big Songs
December 9, 2011
by Danny Park, Grade 10
On Friday, December 2nd, the Alix Goolden Performance Hall at the Victoria Conservatory of Music was filled with sonorous sounds from SMUS small ensembles. The types of music played varied from classical music to jazz and swing.
The Concert Singers opened up the concert, followed by the Vocal Jazz Ensemble. The Concert Singers’ beautiful blend and the falsetto soloist set the tone for the rest of the concert. The contrast shown between the two vocal groups was very entertaining to listen to. The Vocal Jazz Ensemble’s rendition of “Somebody to Love” by Queen featured numerous soloists among the group.
Listen to “Somebody to Love”: Somebody To Love
The performances of the vocal ensembles were followed by the two bands, the Jazz Band and the Swing Band. The Jazz Band brought life to the atmosphere of the concert with their rhythmic style of playing. There were incredible solos from various instruments such as saxophones, trumpets, keyboard, and even drums. Their last piece demonstrated their superb technique.
The Swing Band began their set with a selection called “Tequila”, in which they shouted “Tequila” at the end of that piece. In another piece, they got the crowd clapping as they played the refrain. The Swing Band concluded the concert with a flashy piece featuring all the instruments.
Video by SMUS, partial footage courtesy Eric George
The hard work that went into the organization of the concert was evident. Thank you to the directors of the ensembles: Ms. Williams, Mr. Butterfield, Mr. Reid, Mr. Farish and Mr. Flello.
Concerto for Electric Guitar, Rock Band and Orchestra
April 30, 2010
8:13
The annual Cross-Campus Strings Concert took a different turn this year, expanding its scope to include everything from the Baroque era to modern rock. The last number of the night featured the Senior School Orchestra alongside electric guitars, drums, and a synthesizer. Together, they brought a modern concerto, originally written for Eric Clapton by Grammy Award-winning musician Michael Kamen, to life. Read the full story on the SMUS Review
Senior Choir Concert
June 6, 2008
07:22
The Christ Church Cathedral fills with harmonious voices during the Senior Choir Concert. Gifted string musicians paired with brilliant singing to make a strong and stirring performance.
Read about it in the SMUS Review
Spring Band Concert May 08
May 23, 2008
04:08
The Middle School and Senior School band students show off their talents at the much-anticipated cross-campus Spring Band Concert. 252 band students in Grades 7 through 12 assemble on stage to perform a version of “Battle Hymn of the Republic” that has been specially arranged by Mr. Reid to allow every student to participate.
Read about it in the SMUS Review
Cross-Campus Strings Concert
April 25, 2008
05:10
The Cross-Campus Strings Concert is a showcase of SMUS’ talented music students. The University of Victoria’s Farquhar Auditorium is full of proud parents and faculty.
Read about it in the SMUS Review
Small Ensembles Concert
November 19, 2007
04:21
The Senior School’s musicians and vocalists put on a fabulous concert at the Victoria Conservatory of Music performing jazz, swing, choir and Christmas music for faculty and staff.
Cross-Campus Choral Concert
June 8, 2007
05:14
Close to 250 students from Grades 4 to 12 present an evening of vocal delights in the cross-campus choral concert at the beautiful St. Andrew’s Cathedral. The broad music choices include hymns, folk songs, pop tracks, traditional pieces to classical music.
Read about it in the SMUS Review
Senior School Spring Band Concert
May 25, 2007
05:34
The SMUS Spring Band Concert features more than just the Middle and Senior School music students. There are a few surprises and guest appearances during the recital.
Read about it in the SMUS Review
Middle School Spring Concert
May 11, 2007
03:44
There’s no shortage of musical talent at the Middle School Band Concert. The Grade 6, 7 and 8 students perform choral music, orchestral pieces, band marches, and two solos featuring a French horn and a harp.
Read about it in the SMUS Review
Concerto Concert 2007
May 4, 2007
05:15
The Senior School Orchestra and its many talented musicians play for a large audience. Accompanied by the Senior School Orchestra, the six soloists all demonstrate mastery of their instruments with skilled and passionate playing.