RHS Bands Present Holiday Concert

12/09/03

The Instrumental Music Department of RHS offered the sounds of the season in a delightful 2-hour concert on Monday evening at 7:00 P.M. in the RHS Theatre. The new String Ensemble entertained guests as they arrived in the hallway, where donations of canned food for Loaves and Fishes was taken. Before the concert, the Band Boosters presented certificates and t-shirts to the newly-formed "Old Flag Girl" group (band moms gone bad) and a cake to Mr. Tapscott, in appreciation for a great marching season. Also, a big thanks to the Martins for the beautiful stage decorations!

The Concert Band president, Stacy Gazenski, introduced the program for the first portion of the program, which follows:

Rossview High School Concert Band

Mr. Tom Tapscott

Mr. Edward Dixon

Conducting

Star-Spangled Banner......................................................Key

Please stand for the playing of our National Anthem

.

On A Cold Winter's Night....................arr. Swearingen

A sensitive setting of The First Noel and Away In A Manger

Christmas Concerto #3................................................Smith

A medley of three seasonal favorites: Deck the Halls, God Rest

Ye Merry Gentlemen, and Jingle Bells.

Featured soloists: Erin McNeill, Trumpet and Casey Leffel, Trombone

The Fourth of July...........................................arr. Cacavas

A medley of American patriotic music dating from the Revolutionary War through the second World War. Listen for some other familiar melodies

thrown in for good measure.

Fire Dance................................................................Del Borgo

The power and frenzy of a ritualistic ceremony that celebrates

one of nature's very basis elements are depicted in this tone poem for band.

Jubilant Song of Christmas......................arr. Del Borgo

A new setting based upon "We Wish You a Merry Christmas"

Certainly our hope for your holiday season.

At intermission, Band Booster President Annette O'Shea brought parents and guests up to date with band events and fundraisers. They will be offering frozen foods for sale for the Super Bowl weekend, as well as continuing to use their "Kroger Cares" cards for contributions to the RHS bands.

Mr. Tapscott introduced the unique String Ensemble, as they performed for the second time, as follows:

Rossview High School String Ensemble

Mr. Tom Tapscott

Mr. Edward Dixon

Conducting

I Heard The Bells On Christmas Day...........arr. Neves

A traditional favorite arranged for string ensemble.

All The Pretty Little Horses..............McGinty/Mullins

This is an American folk lullaby written in a minor mode.

This particular arrangement has become a staple of string groups

across the nation.

A Celtic Christmas.........................................arr. Mathews

A medley of three not-so-familiar Christmas pieces: The Holly Bears a Berry, A Night In Bethlehem, and The Boar's Head Carol. Much of the Celtic music we hear and play today comes for Ireland and Scotland. However, the Celts were a group of people who originated in modern-day Austria long before the Roman Empire. Their migration to Ireland and Scotland began around 500 B.C.

An Irish Party In Third Class.........adapted by Moore

In recent years, the world has become aware of Celtic music through Riverdance and movies. This selection is taken from the soundtrack for Back to Titanic and has become a favorite of our ensemble.

The final portion of the program was the performance of the RHS Symphonic Band, which entranced the audience with the variety of music and styles presented. Erin McNeill, RHS Marching/Symphonic Band President, introduced the program, as follows:

Rossview High School Symphonic Band

Mr. Tom Tapscott

Mr. Edward Dixon

Conducting

To Dance In the Secret Garden................................Smith

Our opening selection was premiered in January of 1996 by the

North Jersey Area Wind Ensemble. The title is derived from the

state of New Jersey's nickname.....The Garden State.

The Star-Spangled Banner.........................arr. Zaninelli

Since this is not the 'ceremonial' setting of our National Anthem

you need not stand. We offer this arrangement as a tribute to the

members of our armed forces who have made the ultimate sacrifice

for the freedom of people around the world.

Christmas In Europe................................................Johnson

This selection takes us on a guided tour through England, France, Ireland and Poland. Each of the carols has a distinctive style reminiscent of the country from which it came.

Emblem of Freedom........................................King/Glover

This is reported to be Mr. King's favorite march from

the 185 he composed. It was first published in 1910.

A Rhapsody of Carols...................................arr. Jennings

Four of our most beloved carols are included in this

medley. However, there's one you may have trouble identifying.

Student Teacher Eddie Dixon (aka Dr. Pepper) accepts a farewell gift from Director Tom Tapscott and Field Commander Shari Lee.

Band members enjoy a standing ovation from the program audience.

Page created by Ellen Taylor

12/9/03