It’s a time of festivity and harmony, as the symphonic band and choir of Whippany Park High School have delivered an outstanding performance at the annual holiday concert. Students showed their talent and hard work during this night of music and celebration.
The concert started off on a festive note with the choral groups led by Mr. Limey. The concert choir was up first performing a selection of holiday songs including, “Hope was Born this Night” by the Sidewalk Prophets, followed by “The Blessing” an arrangement by Cody Carnes, Elevation Worship, and Kari Jobe. With both Christmas songs wowing the audience, the choir closed their set with a Hanukkah addition; their cover of “Candleglow”, originally by Emily Crocker, was a beautiful melody with harmonies that warmed hearts. Following the Choir, the Madrigals, otherwise known as “Mads’” to the students, were up next. As an audition-based group, the Madrigals focus on layered vocals, difficult melodies, and a handful of a capella pieces. The groups began their set with the holiday classic, “Carol of the Bells”. In this piece period, madrigal alumni came and sang with the group adding to the melodic voices. The group then performed “Dai Dai Dai”, a vocal arrangement with layered vocals. Following “Dai Dai Dai”, “The Gift” which was originally written for the King Singers followed-up with a strong soprano part. Both beautiful songs before their cover of “Carry the Light” by Andy Beck. To finish off the choral section of the concert, Mr. Limey announced that the Madrigal singers had been invited to Carnegie Hall in the spring. That being said, both groups wowed the audience at the Winter Concert!
The band, conducted by Mr. Sabatino, performed their winter and holiday-themed song selections, starting with “Blues for Santa”, “Holly and the Ivy”, “Hope and Hanukkah”, “Happy X-mas”, “Sleigh Ride”, and lastly the holiday finale, “Drummer, Boyee!”. “Blues for Santa”, arranged by Robert W. Smith, is a jazzy and rhythmic piece that displays the band’s skill in blending traditional holiday themes with a fun twist. It also features our four soloists, Alex Fu on trumpet, Alyssa Wang on French horn, Jack VanSeggern on trombone, and Daniella Geary on tuba. “Holly and the Ivy”, by Tom Wallace, is a vibrant and festive arrangement of the traditional British folk carol. This piece combines rich harmonies and dynamics to create the spirit of the holiday season. The light, lyrical melodies such as the beginning played by the flutes, reflect the carol’s traditional melody and the bells enhance the atmosphere by adding a magical quality that highlights the joyful mood of the music. “Hope and Hanukkah”, by Peter Sciaino, captures the joy of Hanukkah, making it a wonderful addition to the holiday performance. This piece features our duetists, Evelyn Hare and Claire Cho on flute. “Happy X-mas (War Is Over)”, arranged by Tom Wallace, is a peaceful yet powerful version of John Lennon and Yoko Ono’s classic song. “Sleigh Ride”, composed by Leroy Anderson, is a fan favorite and ranked among the top-performed Christmas songs. Its lively and festive melody captures the joyful energy of a winter sleigh ride through the snow, making it truly a timeless and classic piece fit for any holiday concert. “Drummer, Boyee!” arranged by Peter Sciaino, was a great piece to end off the performance, showcasing the upbeat percussion and vibrant energy that brought the crowd to their feet.
All in all, the concert choir, Madrigal singers, and symphonic band have delivered an amazing performance at Whippany Park’s holiday concert, sending family and friends off to enjoy the rest of the holiday season!
