VVHS Bands Present Holiday Concert

By KRISTI TAUSINGA

The Progress

The Virgin Valley High School band programs presented a holiday concert on Monday December 6. The bands were displaced from their usual venue in the VVHS theatre because the theatre program had performances later in the week. But the ensembles pulled it all together and put on a magnificent holiday concert! The intermediate and advanced bands are directed by Brittany Wagner.

Under direction of VVHS Music teacher Brittany Wagner, the intermediate band started out the night with a performance of “Rites of Tamburo” with soloist Benedict Makiadi showing his skills.

Next Wagner directed a combined effort of the intermediate and advanced bands performing a beautiful holiday number named “Noel”. The flutes, trumpets and clarinets stood out in this piece along with soloists Giovanni Mendez, Leieste Macias, Leslie Salazar and Shanti Paz.

The VVHS Jazz band was next to perform under the direction of Conrad Allen. The first song “Alligator Boogaloo” got the crowd clapping and tapping their feet featuring soloists Leieste Macias, Tyra Ludvigson, Ben Nelson and Carl Lym.

The second number “My Little Suede Shoes” featured soloists Elsa Whipple and Tyra Ludvigson.
The third Jazz Band selection entitled “The Kings of Swing” was another crowd pleaser with soloist Maya Solis-Stokes.

“White Christmas” followed, and it was stunning. The holiday spirit was strong with this one and soloist Emily Walsh did an excellent job.
Paola Trujillo and Leieste Macias were soloist in the next number “My Favorite Things.”

The night ended with a crowd favorite and special surprise: “You’re a Mean One Mr. Grinch.” Tyra Ludvigson and Travis Terry brought this song to life with solo performances and the crowd loved it!

There was also a special performance by the VVHS Color Guard. Dressed in holiday sweaters they danced to “Here Comes Santa Claus.”