Thursday, May 22 was the second of two high school concerts as part of the WHSD Department of Music's spring music showcase. This time, it was the orchestra, jazz band, and chamber choir with a chance to shine.
Under the direction of Ms. Alicia Scaramuzzo, the orchestra took the stage first with a few special guests. Elementary music director Ms. Casey Burgh brought a number of fifth grade musicians from the elementary orchestra to perform with the high school students. All three elementary schools were represented as they teamed up with the high school orchestra to perform "Twinkling Stars."
The high school orchestra performed four additional songs, including a couple fit for a summer blockbuster. Following the performance of Justin Bieber's "Sorry," the orchestra performed the "Theme from Ant-Man" and "Black Panther." The orchestra closed out its set with "A-Flat," which included an electric violin solo from Thomas Ketcham.
The jazz band was up next under the direction of Mr. Robert Carr. The band continued the run of movie themes with "The Incredibles" before bringing vocalist Livia Rocco on stage for a rendition of the jazz standard "The Girl from Ipanema." The band performed another standard - "Mack the Knife" - before giving the Lady Gaga/Bruno Mars song "Die With a Smile" a twirl. Rocco returned for the performance of "Old Devil Moon," and the band wrapped up with Cee-Lo's "Forget You."
The chamber choir closed out the night under the direction of Ms. Scaramuzzo. "Fly" featured solos from Mackenzie McPherson and Larissa Wagner, while "Muhona" - which was influenced by a visit to the school by an African choir - featured Jae Saunders, Hayden Crum, and Noelle Brubaker as descant singers.
Michael Jackson's "Human Nature" was up next, with MJ fans Zion Rumble, Calise Cowans, and Devontez Moses performing solos. The choir closed out the show with "The Song of Purple Summer" from the musical Spring Awakening. Aryana Booker-Gamez and Isaac Lott performed solos, while Zurie Rue, A'mari Addison, and Caroline Elston were featured singers.
The Woodland Hills spring concert series comes to an end next week with the fifth grade combined concert on Tuesday, May 20 at Turtle Creek and the 6th and 7th grade Dickson concert on Wednesday, May 21 at the high school.