Freshman Haeyul Jung plays the drum while reading his sheet music. According to Carlmont Junior and concert band member Kanav Shah, the ensemble played around three songs at the Winter Concert Series.
From the powerful horn of a trombone to the serene hum of a violin, Carlmont’s Instrumental Music Program strikes another chord at this year’s Winter Concert Series.
The Winter Concert Series took place over three consecutive nights from Dec. 3 to Dec. 5, featuring performances by Carlmont Instrumental Music, which encompasses concert band, symphonic band, jazz band, string orchestra, and symphony orchestra.
“This year in particular, we’re playing some interesting music, maybe a little more difficult too,” said Kanav Shah, Carlmont junior and member of the Concert Band.
According to Shah, this made rehearsals a bit more challenging, but he believes the ensemble was still prepared to perform.
“After practicing the music a lot, you know it well. That gives you a good feeling of satisfaction, that you’re playing it properly in front of all these people who may not know the music as well,” Shah said.
Carlmont sophomore and symphony orchestra member Shena Cheung believes that while preparing for concerts can be tedious, it is necessary to put in the effort to give a good performance.
“I’ve mostly been listening to the pieces at home and practicing the parts that give me trouble,” Cheung said.
Radha Bulfer, an eighth grader at Sandpiper Middle School, attended the Symphonic Band and Symphony Orchestra concert. According to Bulfer, the band played two different pieces, and the orchestra played four pieces, two of which were student-composed.
“These two pieces specifically were very unique, and everybody was super impressed,” Bulfer said.
Bulfer has attended the winter concerts previously as well, and these concerts are very special for her to watch.
“I like that you can kind of see a story if you close your eyes and listen to the music piece,” Bulfer said.
Both Shah and Cheung feel a connection to their ensembles as they practice and perform.
“I like this orchestra because I feel connected with others when I play,” Cheung said.
According to Shah, the feeling of playing his instrument alone at home is very different from practicing and performing with the band.
“We’re all making music together, and it’s really nice to see it all come together,” Shah said.