Middle school band performs a spring concert
Wesleyan middle school band students performed their spring concert on Wednesday, May 10. The fifth grade, sixth grade, and advanced bands performed a wide variety of songs, a couple of which were solos on the flute and clarinet.
The program opened with the sixth grade band and advanced band’s performance of the “Star Spangled Banner” by Francis Scott Key (arranged by John Kinyon). The fifth grade followed this with a pep tune medley and “What’s for Breakfast?” which they arranged themselves.
The sixth grade band performed “Star Wars” by John Williams (arranged by Carl Strommen), and Grace Pulliam, low brass instructor, conducted the traditional Japanese folksong arranged by Michael Story “Sakura.” Karen Vaughn Smith, flute instructor, conducted “Hedwig’s Theme” by John Williams (arranged by Victor Lopez). The sixth grade band also performed “Furioso” by Robert W. Smith, and Taylor Perez ‘29 performed “Love Theme” from “The Godfather” by Nono Rota and Carlo Savina. The sixth grade band closed with “Funkytown” by Steve Greenberg and Ralph Ford.
The advanced band, made up of seventh and eighth grade students, opened with “Lean on Me” by Bill Withers (arranged by Scott Blood). Next, they performed “Baba Yetu” by Christopher Tin (arranged by Johnnie Vinson). Michelle Paik ‘27 performed a flute solo of “Nella Fantasia” by Ennio Morricone. The advanced band also played “Feel it Still” by John Gourley (arranged by Michael Brown) and “City of Stars” by Justin Hurwitz, Benj Pasek, and Justin Paul (arranged by Johnnie Vinson). They closed with “Cantina Band” by John Williams (arranged by Michael Kamuf).
Thank you, middle school band students, for a wonderful spring concert!
