On April 17, the symphonic band practices after school in order to prepare for their spring concert, which will be on May 2. The group of musicians practice after school every Tuesday to prepare for the pieces they plan to play in their spring concert.

The symphonic band consists of members in the first period jazz ensemble class, the winds in the first period orchestra class, and symphonic band students from the fall semester.  These after-school practices are crucial for the students, as they don’t have the chance to practice together during school hours.

Mia Fontanilla, member of the Class of 2021 and flute in the symphonic band said, “It’s a lot of work [after-school band practices], but it’s really neat to see how all the parts come together and how we are improving with each practice.”

The symphonic band has been practicing these “springy” selections since the beginning of the semester. After three months, band director, Kevin Lloyd has meticulously chosen which pieces among the many that the band has been practicing will make the cut to be played in the concert.

Thus far, the band plans to play four pieces: “On the Mall” by Edwin Franko Goldman, “Manatee Lyric Overture” by Robert Sheldon, “Music from Wicked” arranged by Michael Sweeney, and “One Giant Leap” by Brian Drake.

Last month, the marching band went on a weekend trip to New York City and saw the musical Wicked on Broadway. 

“My favorite piece to play is “Music from Wicked” because we got to see Wicked on Broadway,” Nick Condrasky member of the class of 2021 and percussionist in the symphonic band said, “It is really cool to play music that you have recently heard played live by professional musicians”

On the other hand, “One Giant Leap” was inspired by the first landing on the moon. Lloyd found this piece appropriate to play with the 50th anniversary of the moon landing coming up this summer on June 20th.

The concert will also include performances from the jazz ensemble, the freshman symphonic band, the orchestra, the symphony, and the choir.