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.
Strings Ensemble Stir Assembled
November 25, 2011
Middle School parents, students and staff were treated to a wonderful afternoon of music last week. Grade 7 and 8 strings students played a variety of pieces, including a few solo works.
Program
“Unison etude” by A. Corelli
“The Haunted Carousel” by Soon Hee Newbold
“Sonata from Opus 4″ by A. Corelli
(Preludio/Corrente/Grave/Sarabanda/Giga)
“Meditation from Thais” by J. Massenet
soloist: Luke Erasmus, violin
“Concerto in G+: Allegro” by F.J. Haydn
soloist: Joshua Litton, violin
“The Swan” by Saint Saens
soloist: Jason Yoo, cello
“Arlington Sketches” by E.del Borgo
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.
Large Ensembles Concert
January 18, 2006
01:53
Our annual Large Ensembles Concert showcases our orchestras, concert bands and concert choirs. 70% of our Senior School students appear on stage and the video features performances by the Full Orchestra, Grade 10 Concert Band and the Senior Choir.