In the spirit of the Christmas season, the Nazareth choir and concert band presented their Christmas concerts in the Nazareth auditorium on Dec. 11 and 12. The two groups of musicians worked hard to put on a good show, and their performances were a clear demonstration of their hard work.
This year, the band, led by Mr. Boland, is sounding better than ever. Freshmen through seniors performed in a combined band and played a variety of pieces focusing on the Christmas season. The line-up for the concert included three selections played by the Nazareth Jazz Ensemble and the concert band pieces, which included “Salvation is Created,” “Holiday Favorites,” “Hallelujah Chorus,” “The Most Wonderful Time of the Year,” and as always, “Sleigh Ride” by Leroy Anderson.
“My favorite song the band [played] in the concert [was] Sleigh Ride,” said Tom Jareczek, a junior trumpet player. “It’s a holiday classic and the Naz band has played it every year, for as long as I can remember, even when my older brothers went to Naz.”
Playing “Sleigh Ride” at the end of every Christmas concert is a well-loved band tradition. Every year it is played on Sr. Freddie’s request and this year, and for years to come, it will be played in honor of her undying support for the band. The excitement felt by the students was matched by Mr. Boland.
“Christmas time always fills me with anticipation, but this year there [was] an elevated level of excitement. I’m honored to work with such dedicated people at Nazareth and I can’t wait to begin the 2011-2012 concert season,” explained Boland.
The choir, under the conduction of Ms. Carnevale, worked extraordinarily hard as well and also be performed songs for the Christmas season. Their line-up for the concert included “For Those Who Serve,” “A Heart to Serve,” “O Little Town of Bethlehem,” “Away in a Manger,” “Let There Be Peace,” “Christmas Time,” “Jolly Old St. Nicholas,” and “Fum Fum Fum.” Additionally, the juniors and seniors teamed up to perform “Et En Terra Pax.” This packed concert was a work in progress, but the choir felt confident about its ultimate success.
Giana Angelillo, a senior soprano in the choir, explained that after the nuances were worked out they felt great. The entire choir looks forward to this concert every year.
“What I like most about the Christmas concert is the variety of songs! There are some uplifting and happy ones, but there are also some serious and touching ones” explained junior bass singer, Matthew Serafin, who loves spreading the Christmas spirit to the Nazareth community.
While the event was undoubtedly positive, it was a somewhat bittersweet experience for some senior musicians who reflected upon their years at Naz.
“It honestly feels weird. It doesn’t seem like four years have gone by since I’ve been in choir. I haven’t been able to say it’s my “last” winter concert yet,” said Angelillo. The seniors are grateful for the experiences they have shared with their classmates.
“The people in band are truly great people and the music is always challenging. I’m glad for the experiences band has given me and I can’t wait to finish my last Christmas concert with Sleigh Ride” explained Jaime Munizzi, a senior saxophone player in the band.
The entire Nazareth community commends the hard work of all its musicians, and looks forward to more shining performances in the second semester.