Thursday, December 2, 2010

CANDY, BANDS & AWARD HIGHLIGHT HOLIDAY PARADE 2010


Photo from Brockton Post

BROCKTON—Melissa Rodriguez with her one-year-old Chihuaha Guido watched, waved and cheered as thousands of musicians, students in costume and vehicles decorated in bright Christmas and holiday motifs passed by on Main Street for the 24th annual Greater Brockton Holiday Parade. For full story and more Great pictures please see The Brockton Post.

BHS HOLIDAY CONCERT DECEMBER 14TH & 15TH

The sounds of the season will delight audiences once again when the highly regarded Brockton High School Holiday Concert is held December 14th and 15th in the Nelson Auditorium. The school's award-winning musicians in the Concert Band, Advanced Concert Band, Repertory  Chorus and Concert Choir will perform traditional tunes and funky holiday fare during the shows, which are sure to sell out. Tickets cost $5 with proceeds helping to fund the purchase of new band uniforms.

The 2010 Holiday Concert will stay true to the magic that draws thousands each year – great music, a festive spirit and a chance to celebrate with friends and neighbors – while also including several firsts.  This is the debut concert for Maestro Kevin Kardel, who took over direction of the Concert Band from beloved band leader Robert Ferrante, who retired last spring.  This is also the first time the Advanced Concert Band will be performing an original piece of music composed by a Brocktonian, Maureen Condon’s “When I Think of Christmas, I think of You.”  

“The holidays are always an exciting and joyful time for people,” said Music Director Vincent Macrina.  “We like to give our audience songs they know and love and also introduce some new tunes to keep it fresh.”

Macrina said Condon, a native Brocktonian, will be in the audience to hear her original song performed.  The piece is a beautiful ballad originally written for a piano and a small orchestra. Condon approached Macrina about performing the song, and he wrote a band arrangement.  Macrina’s daughter Lia, a professional singer, will accompany the band in performing the song.

“The song fits right in with our program.  It’s a romantic song, very pretty.  It makes you think of one of those postcard pictures of the fireplace with snow falling outside,” Macrina said.  “I’m really excited because there’s a possibility (Condon) might publish the song with our kids performing it.”

The Advanced Concert Band will also perform “Sleigh Ride,” a tried-and-true favorite; introduce a little calypso music with “Mary’s Boy Child;” and share another new song, “The Eighth Candle,” a Hanukkah celebration piece that is very challenging.

The Concert Choir, under the direction of esteemed leader Penny Knight, will perform “Christmas Day,” a powerful and challenging work by Gustav Holst, as well as a beautiful and traditional Hanukkah song “S’Vivon.”  The Repertory Chorus plans to present “Jingle Bell Rock” and “Slow Dancing in the Snow,” and the Concert Band will perform “March of the Toys” and “Christmas Song,” among other numbers.

The Holiday Concert is a tradition for many Brocktonians who are proud to have a professional-quality music program in their backyard, Macrina said.

“People tell me they come back year after year, long after their kids have graduated.  They come because the quality of music and performance is so good, and because they are proud to support young local musicians,” Macrina said.  “It’s very special for the students, too.  It’s the first concert of the year, and they are ready to show audiences what they can do.  I think everybody loves to come together for the concert, whether as performers or audience members.  It’s an important community celebration.”

Tickets prices have increased for the first time in years, and only to help defray the cost of new uniforms for the marching band.  The Brockton High School Marching Band is known throughout the region for its exceptional playing, marching and appearance.  However, the uniforms have started to show their wear after 17 years and Macrina said it’s time to replace them.  At $300 each – for a 225-piece band – that’s not an easy target.   HarborOne Credit Union donated $15,000 earlier this year and the band has done some fundraising to bring the total to nearly half of the $52,000 it needs to raise to outfit the entire band.

“I hate to raise prices, but this year we need the help.  I still think at five bucks it’s the best ticket in town, but I know it’s a tough economy and I appreciate all of the folks who have supported us over the years,” Macrina said.  “We hope to see a lot of smiling faces and we promise to put on a great show.”

Tickets cost $5 per person and are available at the Brockton High School Main Office, 470 Forest Avenue, between 9 a.m. and 2 p.m. on weekdays.  The concerts will be held Tuesday, December 14th and Wednesday, December 15th at 7:30 p.m. in the Brockton High School Auditorium.  A snow date of Thursday, December 16th has also been set.  For more information, please contact the Brockton High School Music Department at (508) 580-7656.
 -Jocelyn Meek
Communications Officer
Brockton Public Schools
(508) 894-4476
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