The Acton-Boxborough Regional High School’s Winter Concert on December 17 filled the auditorium with holiday spirit, showcasing the talents of over 275 student musicians. The evening brought together beloved seasonal classics, impressive performances, and an unexpected treat that capped off the event on a joyful note.
A celebratory evening of music
The concert began with the Jazz Band delivering energetic renditions of Wynton Marsalis’ “Jump” and an arrangement of Pat Metheny’s “Every Summer Night”. Each piece featured student soloists whose improvisations added an extra layer of excitement.
Bella Voce, a select treble-voiced choir group, followed with a contrast of songs: Mariah Carey’s modern holiday favorite, “All I Want for Christmas is You” and Kyle Pederson’s reflective “Does the World Say?”, offering a moment of stillness amid the festive energy.
The Orchestra impressed with Edvard Grieg’s “Holberg Suite”, blending precision and emotional depth. They also played a familiar favorite, “It’s the Most Wonderful Time of the Year”, drawing smiles and toe-tapping from the crowd. Student solos brought the music to life and impressed the audience.
Madrigal Singers and Chamber Choir Shine
The Madrigal Singers transported the audience to another time with Thomas Weekles’ “Hark, All Ye Lovely Saints Above” and Claudin de Sermisy’s “Tant Que Vivray”, showcasing the group’s vocal precision and rich harmonies. Their arrangement of ”Jingle Bells”, with its Renaissance flair, was a particular highlight.
The Chamber Choir followed with “Yo Le Canto” and “Esto Les Digo”, two pieces that displayed both the choir’s dynamic range and heartfelt delivery.
A Local Connection to ‘Sleigh Ride’
The Concert Band performed Aaron Copland’s Variations on a “Shaker Melody” and Katahj Copley’s “Ayo”, demonstrating the ensemble’s versatility and energy.
Before the Band’s annual performance of Leroy Anderson’s “Sleigh Ride”, George Arsenault, Director of Performing Arts, shared an engaging story about the piece’s history. Written in the 1940s in Woodbury, Massachusetts, during a sweltering July, and premiered by the Boston Pops in 1948 with Arthur Fiedler conducting, “Sleigh Ride” has become a winter staple worldwide. Anderson’s ability to evoke the sounds of a crisp winter day — from jingling sleigh bells to a whip crack — was on full display, as the band delivered a spirited performance, joined by the orchestra.
A Surprise in the Lobby
As the evening came to a close, concertgoers exiting the auditorium were greeted with a special surprise: the AB Orquesta de la Revolución, the school’s salsa band performing a lively rendition of “Feliz Navidad” in the lobby. The unexpected performance had families pausing to take in a final holiday favorite — a festive farewell to an unforgettable night of music.
Community Support
The concert was made possible through the hard work of the students, faculty, and support staff, as well as sponsors like Acton-Boxborough Friends of Music. Mr. Arsenault extended his gratitude to the community for its continued support, reminding everyone of the importance of music in personal enrichment and inspiration.
This concert reflects the depth of Acton-Boxborough’s music program, which fosters student musicianship across different ensemble types and skill levels. The program is a cornerstone of the district’s vibrant arts community. Events like the Winter Concert remind audiences of the talent being cultivated and the important role the performing arts play in bringing students and families together.
With performances spanning centuries, cultures, and genres, the 2024 Winter Concert celebrated the power of music to unite and uplift — a perfect note on which to end the year.
Jennifer Lewy is a marketing specialist and author of the Game of Paradise series, science fiction novels exploring artificial intelligence and humanity’s future.