Atherton’s Band Concert was in the Auditorium at 7pm On December 8th. Students performed a setlist of Christmas and holiday songs that they worked hard on.
With lists of songs many people recognize, such as “Sleigh Ride” and “All I Want for Christmas Is You” by Mariah Carey, Atherton’s band director, Mendy Cumberledge, organized these arrangements for the audience and for her band students to have a fun time on stage that night.
The Holiday Band Concert was a success for the Atherton students. With positive opinions from the audience, they say the band performed very well.
“I am proud of all the band members. They have worked really hard since the beginning of school, and they have grown so much,” Cumberledge said.
Atherton Band students’ thoughts about their growth throughout this school year have influenced them a lot towards this time of the concert.
Jack Hammerbeck (9), one of the French horn players for the band who also got into the All County State, an audition-based honor for musicians as a freshman.
Hammerbeck sees the band as such a value to him, especially for the winter concert.
“I’ve learned how to play music, which is awesome, but it also helps me be a leader. Even being part of a band also makes you have to work independently, so I work hard, even outside of class,” Hammerbeck said.
William Grayson Newton (10) plays euphonium, a low brass instrument; his growth came from the tutoring that Cumberledge provided him.
“Personally, trying to play out more and be louder helped to have a much better tone, like I’ve been better overall at playing,” Newton said.
Conner Richardson (11) found that articulation styles and dynamics by playing the alto saxophone for the concert, which he practiced every day, helps him grow to become a better musician.
“It’s just more practice, which helps me get the notes under my fingers and the rhythm down,” Richardson said.
Isaiah Helvey (12) is one of the band’s percussionists. Being open to jazz and concert in general, Helvey balancing with other musicians that play different instruments alongside himself for sure shows growth from the band.
“There are a lot of things, like playing with instruments and people that are applicable to other fields; it’s like working on a small project with other people.” Helvey said.
Andrea Elefante was an audience member who came to watch the band’s concert; she attended the holiday concert for her little sister, who also performed in Atherton’s band.
“I couldn’t help but move to the music and I saw other people moving too… It was a very heartwarming and wholesome event. I love seeing the proud parents record their kids, and I liked it so much,” said Elefante.
