Spring-Ford Instrumental Music Shine

Written By George Growcott/SFHS Marching Band Cood

Photos by Andreina Erwin

Wednesday night, December 19, the Spring-Ford Area High School String Ensemble, Concert Band and Symphonic Bands filled the auditorium with a wide array of music for one and all. 

Before a full house the evening began with the String Ensemble, under the direction of Mrs. Emily McGranahan, opening the evening with Rodgers and Hammerstein’s “My Favorite Things”.  Mrs. McGranahan directed the growing and improving ensemble thru their program that also included “Christmas Concerto” by Corelli and “Palladio” by Jenkins.  Julianne Wu and Rachel Fisher displayed their outstanding skills as soloists thru the String Ensemble presentation.  The String Ensemble was well received for their excellent presentation as they set the mood of the evening for wonderful music.

After a short stage change over, Mr. Seth Jones the Director of Bands, presented the Concert Band, which is made up of the freshmen musicians and several upper classmen.  The band performed three musical works, including R.W. Smith’s arrangement of Leroy Anderson’s work “A Christmas Festival”.  The young musicians displayed their skills in their first concert as Spring-Ford High School students and the continued excellence at Spring-Ford.

Next to perform was the Symphonic Band, which is made up of students in 10th thru 12th grade at Spring-Ford.  Mr. Jones led the band members thru four musical scores, including Edward Madden’s “Fantasy on a Bell Carol” and “Sleigh Ride” by Leroy Anderson.  The band showed its wide range of skills as it performed smoothly thru its portion of this year’s winter concert.

After a quick removal of chairs from the stage and instrument changes the evening closed with the traditional final musical presentation of this year’s award winning marching band show, “RED”!  The 100+ musicians returned and filled the auditorium to allow everyone in attendance hear the music arranged for them this year by Dr. Andrew Yozviak and Mr. Joseph Perry (SF Alumni).  The band was conducted by Drum Major, Kristi Brittain (Sr),) as the Marching Ram band  filled the auditorium with the music of Russia, England and Japan.  Mr. Jones acknowledged the hard work of the staff and students for their achievements as they were crowned the Tournament of Bands Group 4 Champions this fall for the 6th time in the last 7 years while going undefeated.

A wonderful evening of music was experienced by all in the audience which was acknowledged thru out the evening as Mrs. McGranahan along with Mr. Jones continue to direct and educate the outstanding music students of Spring-Ford Area HS.  I know all that attended this concert will be looking forward to the next outstanding concert that will be presented for the Spring-Ford community.