A Brilliant Beginning for Band
Jazz I, Repertory, Varsity, and Concert Band showed impressive musical talent at the first band concert of the school year
The Buffalo High School’s fall band concert showcased the hard work and growth of its student musicians, featuring Jazz 1, Repertory band, Varsity band, and Concert band in the PAC.
Jazz 1 started the concert dramatically by opening the curtains and immediately playing their first song, “Come Sunday”. After their opening song they played, “The Star-Spangled Banner”. Jazz I ended their performance with, “Samba Ti Kaye”.
Jazz 1 and Jazz 2 are extracurricular activities open to all music students, primarily band members, but sometimes orchestra or choir students can join, along with the band students. Jazz 1 includes grades 10-12, while Jazz 2 includes grades 9-12 and will perform on December 7 at the band connections concert.
The Repertory band, made up of only freshmen, followed Jazz 1’s performance with “Knights of Dunvegan”, “In a Gentle Rain”, and “Moscow 1941″. Next up was Varsity band who performed “Fire Dance”, “A Scottish Rhapsody”, and as a tribute to the upcoming musical, “Grease!”.
The Concert band, made up of 51 juniors and seniors who can earn college credits for participating, finished the concert with “Ireland: Of Legend and Lore”, “As Summer Was Just Beginning”, inspired by the death of actor James Dean, and “Khan”.
“[The concert] was kind of a learning experience,” Concert band and Jazz band member Katie Sleavin ‘27 said. “It definitely helped us know what to do to prepare more in the future.”
“Honestly, that’s the best we’ve played our songs,” Concert band student Kennedy Weiss ‘28 said. “It’s easier to critique what you play, than say something good, but I’d say we did pretty well.”
In September, six students received band student of the month awards for their musicianship, work ethic, positive acts, and leadership, with two students recognized from each band. Repertory band recipients were Paxton Paumen and Karston Perkins, Varsity band recipients were Simeon Dahn and Allie Lehnen, and Concert band recipients were Henry Eiden and Liam Erkins. Mr. Curtis, who directed this concert and is returning for his second school year at BHS, has high hopes for the band following this performance.
Overall, the night showcased the hard work and growth of Buffalo High School’s band students, setting a high bar for their upcoming performances throughout the school year. The next BHS music events are in November on the 13, 14, 20, and 21 where they are hosting the musical, “Grease”, in the PAC.
