Buena kicks off the holiday season with annual Not So Silent Night concert
Dec. 13, 2024, Buena high school’s music department kicked off the festive season with their 8th annual “Not So Silent Night” concert, comprising performances from each of the six music classes and other various ensembles.
The night started off with the Buena Choir, adorned in festive wear and singing the opening song, “Winter Bells,” a carol of the bells inspired number. Crowds cheered and they began the next song, “December in my Hometown,” dedicated to the nostalgic feeling that is childhood winters. After this, they performed their final song, “Jazz Waltz of the Sugar Plum Fairy.”
Choir students were also brought together by this event, especially freshman Shayne Perdue.
“The way we as a community worked was pretty inspiring,” Perdue said.
Kevin Downey, the choir director, spoke about how he is proud of the choir and how this concert provides new learning opportunities.
“I think everyone should be proud of how it went. It wasn’t perfect. Nothing ever is. But that’s a great learning opportunity for us to discuss what worked,” Downey said.
Chambers & solos
After the choir finished, more singers took the stage. The first song performed was “Mary, Did You Know?” followed by “White Christmas.” Downey complimented his soloists after their groundbreaking performances.
“We had so many students pushing themselves, challenging themselves… I am so grateful for so many solos, it’s hard to pick a favorite,” Downey said.
Concert band
To take a break from vocals, the concert band came out to perform three songs: “Dark ride, Wanch” and “Festive Fan Fair.” Band director Taylor Duchai told the crowd about some of their holiday favorites, specifically songs sprouted from tradition.
String orchestra
String orchestra had a strong first performance, playing two different songs. This was a new experience for some of the first chairmen, as two musicians have only started a few months ago. Overall, strings showed a great debut for these new musicians.
Solos
To take a break from the instruments, some more musicians showcased their vocal talents and holiday spirit with covers of “Noel” and “December”.
Intermission
Audience members were invited outside during intermission to watch an outdoor performance from jazz band and eat at the food truck fundraiser for the Buena Music Association. French club was also fundraising, selling ornaments.
Jazz band & Vocal solos
For the first set after intermission, the jazz band played inside. This featured a saxophone solo and two vocal soloists performing with them. This was followed with performances of “White Christmas” and “Have Yourself a Merry Little Christmas”. To end the jazz band’s set, the saxophone choir performed “You’re a Mean One, Mr Grinch”.
Honors strings
Honors strings, a class to highlight Buena’s best string musicians, played four songs. Duchai commented on the class’s skills, mentioning that it is a very reliable group who is well trained at their instruments.
Wind ensemble
To close off this night full of holiday celebration and musical talent, wind ensemble played four pieces The tracks were “Nutcracker”, “On the Wing of the Swallows”, “Carol of the Bells” and “Sleigh Ride”. “Sleigh Ride” is a yearly tradition and loved by many.
“Sleigh Ride was my favorite part, it was very silly and lighthearted,” senior and flutist for wind ensemble, Bowie Gilespie said. “Holiday music is the best music to play, it felt like it was lighthearted.”
Overall, Not-so-Silent Night is an important tradition to Buena as it showcased talented musicians in the student body, but also brings together our community for the holiday season. The songs are nostalgic and familiar to most, which taps into the nostalgia of the holidays. Friends and families come out to support their musicians, which provides a peaceful and fun event to kick off winter festivities.
To further support Buena’s aspiring musicians, the Not So-Silent-Night album is available for purchase at the ASB store.
