Despite the chilling temperatures, West High orchestras warmed listeners’ ears with “Fire and Ice” — a program of wintery-themed pieces in Arganbright Auditorium.
Conducted by West High Orchestra director Jonathan Welch the concert began with Chamber Orchestra performing “Festliche Musik” composed by Herman Schroeder.
Philharmonic Strings then joined Chamber Orchestra on stage to play Chris Pilsner’s “Fireflight” and Jean Sibelius’ “Andante Festivo”. Then, all three orchestras — Chamber, Philharmonic and Concert — combined to perform arrangements of Antonio Vivaldi’s “Inverno” and O’Neil’s “Dreams of Fireflies”, also known as “On a Christmas Night”.
Orchestra student-teacher Caitlyn Valencia then conducted a piece called “Thundersnow!” by Katie O’Hara Labrie.
The orchestras concluded the “Fire and Ice” concert with a tradition by performing their annual winter piece: “Wizards in Winter”. The combined orchestra was accompanied by special guests Matthew Bernemann on drums, Randall Davis on guitar and Rich Wager on bass to add a touch of electrifying rock ‘n’ roll style.
Before the concert, all students of the participating orchestras stayed after school for a final dress rehearsal. Following the rehearsal, students enjoyed a free dinner from Luna’s Tacos, owned by a West High orchestra family.
