Herndon High School’s annual winter concert did not disappoint this year. Held on December 18th, the show was a mix of holiday classics and unique pieces. Three bands performed (Symphonic Band, Symphonic Winds and the Wind Ensemble), in addition to the always popular alumni jam session at the end.
Highlights included professional trumpet player Buddy Deshler joining the Wind Ensemble for the east coast premiere of an arrangement written expressly for him, entitled “Buddy’s Christmas Party.” Led by Buddy, the Wind Ensemble started the “Christmas Party” with a lovely rendition of Carol of the Bells and finished with a festive and fun New Orleans jazz riff.
At least a couple dozen HHS alumni then joined the Wind Ensemble on stage for Leroy Anderson's “A Christmas Festival,” a mashup of holiday favorites. I am always amazed at how the alumni just jump right in and play, presumably without a lot of practice. A testament to the strong band program that Kathleen Jacoby so ably leads!
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Finally, in the final fundraiser of 2019, the band auctioned off the chance to conduct the finale of the concert, Sleigh Ride. The Pride of Herndon band has been a community fixture since 1947, and has many aging instruments that need to be replaced. A significant amount has already been raised this year, and it was capped off by Margaret Jamborsky’s $450 winning bid to conduct the finale. Jamborsky passed the baton to Arthur Nachman, who enthusiastically and expertly led the band (and alumni) in a rocking Sleigh Bell to close out the night.
Your next opportunity to hear the talented bands at HHS will be the Pyramid Concert on April 1. No fooling!