ND's Band students really struck a chord with audiences this week in back-to-back Summer Concerts on May 31 and June 1.
All four Concert Bands showed off their Gold award-winning form on Wednesday.
Students demonstrated their increased confidence, artistry and skills through festival pieces — works showing off a variety of musical influences, pieces demonstrating efforts towards Truth and Reconciliation, selections that connect to religious faith, as well as popular tunes from the movies.
🎧 Listen to a bit of the Grade 10/11 Concert Winds's rendition of Coldplay's "Viva La Vida".
Twenty-eight recognitions of excellence were given out for Musicianship, Most Improved and Community Service.
Jazzing Things Up
Thursday's concert opened with the Arbutus Brass Trio: professional musicians Mark D'Angelo on trumpet, Dawn Haylett on horn, and ND's own Mr. Passmore on trombone.
The evening continued with capstone projects and combos. ND Jugglers hit all the right notes, showcasing their creativity through music.
🎧 Click to hear the Senior Combo's "Bags Groove", "Song for My Father", and "Snowdin Town."
Guest vocalist and ND Alumni Jonathan Muller (Grad 2010) accompanied the Jazz Ensemble on the Carlos Jobim tune, "Quiet Nights of Quiet Stars".
Watch the Jazz Band close the night with "Watermelon Man":
Side note: Mr. Dharmasetia, who attended Thursday, enjoyed it so much he had the Herbie Hancock original on his playlist the following day.
Families and guests were singing a happy tune after the concert.
Senior Julian Kyle, on behalf of the students, gave their band director a touching thank you speech, acknowledging the countless hours (both in school and commuting) that he has dedicated to the ND Band program.
Mr. Pagcaliwagan, who chaperoned multiple band trips this year, had this to say about Mr. Passmore's leadership:
"He has been instrumental in making ND’s band program a welcoming place for Notre Dame students to find community and be challenged. Mr. Passmore is truly a maestro of his craft and the conductor that keeps ND Band in harmony."
All musical puns courtesy of Mr. Pagcaliwagan! Photo and video credit: Tracey Renzullo
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