ANHS Band Presents: Sounds of the Season

The Aliso Niguel Wind Ensemble and Concert Band performed their annual holiday concert on Wednesday, Dec. 7 from 7:00 p.m to around 8:00 p.m. 

The concert took place in the theater, where it was decorated with Christmas lights, garlands, and a Christmas tree that lit up the entire concert. The stage had a backdrop with red and green lights swirling behind the musicians. Band members wore festive outfits, topped with holiday hats and headbands. Some audience members also participated in the holiday spirit by wearing Santa hats and ugly sweaters.

The wind ensemble opened the concert with “A Canadian Brass Christmas Suite.” This nearly 10-minute piece was filled with Christmas classics including “Jingle Bells,” “Good King Wenceslas,” “Lo, How a Rose E’er Blooming,” “Carol of the Bells,” “Silent Night,” and “O Come, All Ye Faithful.” 

Following this song, the wind ensemble played “Auld Lang Syne,” a Scottish song. Mrs. Sears, the band director, explained how this song represents “looking back at the year that has passed and saying goodbye.” 

The wind ensemble’s soloists included Al Kuznetsov (11), Trevor Panish (12), Parker Winston (12), and Evan Brusky (11). Following a short break and an opportunity to take pictures of the students, the concert band combined with the wind ensemble to play three more pieces. 

The band first performed “Carol of the Bells,” followed by a piece titled “A Jazzy Christmas.” 

“A Jazzy Christmas” combined many familiar songs similar to the first piece such as “We Wish You a Merry Christmas” and “O Christmas Tree” but with a jazzy atmosphere. 

“It sounds like I’m walking through Disneyland,” Riana Villamil (12) commented during the performance of the song. 

The band closed off the concert with “A Sleigh Ride.” Mrs. Sears commented on how it is her favorite Christmas song. Band students performed with bells, sounds of the horses’ clip-clops, and even a clapper to create the notable whip sound in the song. 

After the concert, audience members lined up to receive free refreshments. There were a variety of festive sugar cookies, sprinkle cookies, and chocolate chip cookies. There was also hot chocolate served with the help of parent volunteers. Parents, friends, and family waited in the cafeteria waiting for the band students to come out after the concert. Many people enjoyed their refreshments while chatting at the tables or standing around. 

Most guests left the concert around 8:30 to 9:00 p.m., while some stayed to help clean up after the concert. With this season coming to a close, the band is expected to have another concert next year in March.