Your Arlington, your views

Review by Hannah Doherty, AHS student

On Dec. 4, high school students from every grade piled into the auditorium to hear music from the Arlington High School orchestra, band and chorus. To introduce the hour sample of music and songs, Pasquale Tassone, head of performing arts, said: “One thing we should never do is stop our ears from hearing music everywhere.”

A symphony of only strings led by Tassone began the concert. The symphony had two movements. The two sections of strings melded beautifully in each movement. Staring up at the stage, the bow players synchronized to each key. While the first piece was a joyous song used for maybe a celebration, the second one told a story.

Next was the select chorus led by Cheryl Christo. The group of boys and girls began with spiritual songs and ended with a solo by Darius Dummott of the popular song “In the Still of the Night.” These gifted students give each song a melodious voice that kept the audience hypnotized. The solos of this group — by Jean Dao, Nick Jackson and Dummott — exerted amazing voices that swayed with the group as a whole with a somewhat natural and effortless talent.

The concert band followed the chorus. Sabato D’Agostino conducted music of two opposite genres. The first was a classic song, and the second was a combination of Ray Charles tunes. Molly Knobloch added to the first song with her instrument, the trumpet. Ray Charles’s music consisted of the jazz combo and the jazz band. From the zesty get up and dance song to the soulful slow song, they do a fantastic job of capturing the audience until the end. Transitions of easing from one song to the next are done gracefully.

Next was the mixed chorus and orchestra, which offered some seasonal songs, such as “Sleigh Ride” by Leroy Anderson and one from the movie “Polar Express.” That song, led by D’Agostino, was played to perfection. Each instrument was in unison and every note synchronized, making it a joy to listen to.

The mixed chorus also played a Hebrew tune sung directly from the traditional Hebrew text. Christo added a Russian song, which gave sophomore Nick Chvany a chance to show off his voice. He hit off all the high notes and ended the mixed chorus with a fast paced but happy song.

On Wednesday, Dec. 5, the concert has even more to offer to every type of audience. If a high school audience can hold still and remain quiet for an hour then one knows this music is captivating. The conductors Tassone, D’Agostino, and Christo are masterful in the songs they have chosen and this will most definitely show in the Winter Concert. This is a highly recommended Winter Concert that I fully believe everyone should try to see.