James A. Garfield High School showcased its outstanding Concert Band (another incarnation of the famous “Marching Pride”) and its resurgent vocal music program (in the form of the Concert Choir, directed by Theo Cebulla, and the Varsity Gold Show Choir, directed by Joe Gaither) on Sunday, December 18 in the Iva Walker Auditorium to a packed house (SRO).
There were old favorites, new twists, spiffy performance duds, a horse in the brass section, “Thumper” in the percussion, audience sing-alongs, a German carol, excellent soloists and enthusiastic appreciation of all of the music…and of the musicians.
After the formal concert in the auditorium, there was a cookie-and-cocoa reception in the Commons with a spirited program of jazz numbers by the Black and Gold Swing Machine, led by director Theo Cebulla. The Machine was in fine working order and drew applause with every number.
At one point, it was announced that the spring musical will be “Annie Get Your Gun”, so all could be forewarned to get tickets ASAP. Previous productions have been sold out in short order. This will be another one to look forward to, no doubt!
It was a high note all around for the Season.
