Thornton Academy 2019 Holiday Concert

by Eleanor Lê '20

I have to admit: I have never gone to a student concert before.
Therefore, coming to Thornton Academy’s Holiday Concert at Harry P. Garland II Auditorium, I know nothing to expect. 

The first performance is from TA’s own Concert Band and Symphony Orchestra. I know TA has a very strong music program, but I did not expect it to be this extensive. As the student musicians entered the stage, I was overwhelmed by their presence. ​

It was the Winter Concert, so all the musical instruments were wearing Christmas decorations. As you can see, even the huge string bass get a Christmas hat for itself!

And the music, the music was marvelous. I did not know the pieces they were playing, but I could feel the holiday spirit spreading from the stage to the audience. The first pieces played were "Carnegie Anthem", "Largo from the New World Symphony", "Brighton Beach" and "A Holst Christmas". 
At this point, I start to wonder: "Where are all the violins? I haven't seen any violins on stage, and I thought violins were the most popular musical instrument in the world. There should at least be one violin on stage!"
How naive was I, as the musicians finish up, and the String Orchestra start to come on stage. 

Yes, the violins are now everywhere. There are many different violins and violas in different sizes, and I was blown away. First, they start off the show with "Slava!". "Irish Legend" was truly one of the most amazing musical performances I have ever watched, thanks to the amazing talents of the student musicians and the spectacular violin solo by Rose Underkofler, a TA alumna. 

Then, the String Orchestra finishes with "Slavonic Dance (Op 46, No.8). 

Up for all the fun, the Jazz Band appears on stage to add their own spice to the show. If I did not know better, I would have tried to run up the stage to dance to the music, because it was so fun and full of jazz spirit!

The Jazz Band started off with "Bloomin' Jazzmen", "Chase the Clouds Away" and ended with the classic Christmas song that everyone loved, "Santa Claus is Comin' to Town".
After the Jazz Band finishes off their moves, there comes to Intermission, where the PJB plays in the Atrium. Wow, it was so much fun (although I was the only one shamelessly danced to the music, everyone seemed to very much enjoyed it). 

After Intermission, here comes the talented singers from the Treble Choir.

They restarts the show with angelic tunes from the song "Vidi Aquam", "Tum Balayka", "Winter Wonderland" and "Will the Circle Be Unbroken"

The Chamber Singers showed off their talent with "Ani Ma'amin", "Flight Song", "Have Yourself a Merry Little Christmas" and "Yemaya Assessu". It was fun, it was sweet and romantic, and everyone is immersed in the perfect holiday spirit. 

Last but not least, the Concert Choir come on stage and perform the most beautiful light performance along with music I have ever seen in my life. It was magical.

The Concert Choir also performed "Seize the Day" from "Newsies", "Erev Shel Shoshanim", "Stand Together" and "Hands are Knockin"

It was my first time coming to a TA Concert, and it will definitely not be my last time. I have to say, I was very impressed at the level of talent and professionalism I witnessed at a student concert. Thanks to all the amazing art teachers, and keep up the good work, Thornton Academy Art Department!

If you want to watch the concert, here is the livestream link that I got from Thornton Academy Visual & Performing Arts Facebook page:
​https://livestream.com/TATVSaco/2019HolidayConcert?origin=event_published&mixpanel_id=1446a0632fd9-0388cbb6a137e18-40632542-384000-1446a06332b3e&acc_id=8803455&medium=email&fbclid=IwAR1md6S1NAI-BJkL49nbxX7mXckqRhrhteynRrzogxHSNyA0L69bwV3Mf0s