~ June Issue ~
 

ESHS Band Pops Concert
By Katherine Wittig

           “What is a pops concert?” pondered El Segundo High students as they observed the announcement on the school’s marquis: “ESHS Band Spring Pops Concert.” Well, a pops concert usually involves a combination of light classical music, current popular film or show music, and perhaps a novelty piece. The pops concert given by the ESHS Band focused primarily on the film music aspect of this concert with three movie tunes and then a contrasting, more traditional piece. This novel style of concert reflects the progress, versatility, and transformation which the band has been experiencing in recent years.  Held on Thursday, May 31 in El Segundo High’s auditorium, the concert began at 7 P.M. The concert also included music performed by the highly successful Winterline and some of the music program’s chamber ensembles, including a clarinet trio and quartet, a brass choir, and a saxophone ensemble.

As a general rule, programs for any type of fine art, including music, always attempt to improve and challenge the students to become even more talented and knowledgeable in the areas covered. This being the case, the band selected pieces which would force the band to work on all areas of its performance, particularly the weak areas. For instance, some pieces call upon the technical ability and skill of musicians to perform rhythmically complicated or challenging passages. However, the slower and more lyrical pieces also require great concentration and skill to create musicality and evoke emotion. “The music selection was varied and fun,” junior Blake Kibby said.

Incorporating these contrasting styles and skills into one concert, the band played music ranging from X-Men 2 to Schindler’s List, from Catch Me if You Can to a piece called Russian Sailors’ Dance. In the selections from X-Men 2, a new spin on typical superhero themes featured a technically flawless woodwind section mixed with a strong and valiant brass section. Unfortunately, in the concert this balance was an area of weakness throughout the piece, and is an area which the band addresses often to correct it. Nevertheless, the piece left an impression on audience members and musicians alike. Junior James Koch said of the piece, “I like fast-paced music that has volume behind it.”

Similar to the X-Men 2 selection, Catch Me if You Can offered an exhilarating and action-filled composition, but with a challenging solo performed by sophomore Jenimarie Dahl on the saxophone. Music from the movie Schindler’s List also featured a soloist, sophomore Katherine Li on the flute. This piece was much more lyrical and ponderous, a melancholy composition consisting in a simple theme in a mournful tone. The remaining piece, Russian Sailors’ Dance, is an older piece with both technical and lyrical passages and a strong, even fierce, energy.

In addition to the concert, the band held a silent auction to raise funds for new marching band uniforms. The current uniforms, which are over twenty years old, will be replaced within the next year if funds are available. The silent auction was very profitable, raising approximately $3,700 for the band through the generosity of those who donated and bought the items. The auctioned items ranged from jewelry and gift baskets to music lessons and a DirecTV system, and some of the prizes were particularly relevant to the band: two old uniforms were auctioned off, as well as the chance to conduct the band’s final piece next to Mr. Fox.

In short, the concert was quite successful, demonstrating the hard work and tremendous improvement of the individual students as well as the entire program. Performing difficult and contemporary music which appeals directly to the audience, the band, winterline, and chamber groups made this final concert of the year both enjoyable and impressive.