Danielle Lyon ’26
EE Staff Writer
As students and faculty approached a much needed holiday break, Trumbull High School’s string orchestra, concert band, and symphonic band performed in their Winter Instrumental Concert on Tuesday, December 19th. Their performance was led by director and teacher Joshua Murphy, and they were supported by many families and friends in the audience.
The band was the first group to go, performing “Fable” by Erik Morales, “Mesa Dances” by Gavin Lendt, and finally “A Beacon of Light” by Patrick Roszell. The band is broken up into two classes, one class of marching/symphonic band students, and the other of concert band performers. The entire band consists of 62 performers, and includes, flutes, clarinets and bass clarinets, alto, tenor and baritone saxophones, trumpets, percussion, baritone, a tuba, a trombone and a french horn. The second song performed by the band was slightly unusual for the students, as it was written in five-four times, rather than the steadier four-four time. Additionally, the band’s third song, which happens to be Murphy’s favorite, had been referred to as a “Bacon” of light as a joke amongst the performers.
After the band concluded their portion of the concert, the strings students took the stage, performing “Concerto Grosso Op.6, No.8” by Corelli Arr. Parrish, “Maharaja” by Doug Spata, as well as “Armonico” by Vivaldi Arr. Parrish. The strings orchestra is made up of twenty-six violin students, twelve cello students, four bass players and two violas. In the orchestra’s first piece, “Concerto Grosso”, the students played all three of the movements in the musical composition, each movement being composed of various dynamics. The orchestra’s second song was also very “fun and different” for the students. During the concert, Murphy also recognized violinists April Park and Saanvi Chintapalli, who have both auditioned and qualified for the Western Region Festival.
To close out the concert, the band and the strings orchestra joined together and performed the well known holiday song, “Sleigh Ride” by Leroy Anderson. During this last performance, the students were allowed to show their holiday spirit by wearing santa hats and other fun accessories.
Murphy wanted to give a special thanks to Mr. Manuel, Dr. Martin Semmel and Dr. Susan Iwanicki, the THS house principals, the music department team as well as the custodians and lighting and technical assistance for helping organize and run the event.
The band and strings orchestra will perform again in the Instrumental Spring concert on Tuesday, April 23, 2024, something you won’t want to miss!