Warm Spirits on A Winter’s Eve

6 December 2012Sam D, '13

Following the American Thanksgiving dinner in Crooks Hall last Thursday, the school was treated to our annual Concert for A Winter’s Eve.

The dimming of lights hushed the murmuring crowd as the band came to the stage. They took their places, gave a final tweak to their strings and reeds, and launched into a melodic symphony as they entertained guests with the opening chords of the theme from “Get Smart”. They finished their set on a high note with Eric Clapton’s “Layla”.

Our saxophone quintet was up next. With finesse, style, and Damian P, they artfully took on an original composition by our very own Mr. Newns, filling the room with holiday cheer as they sweetened our ears with “The Xmas Song”. Sadé K then had to be on her toes as she and Lexi M sang “When You Believe” with phenomenal flourish and amazing harmony.

Advanced rock band shook the stage as Hannah C belted out their opening number. Harrison P had a technical failure on Thursday night, but with perseverance and a lot of heart he managed to knock out a spectacular solo. Rickus L sang “In the Midnight Hour”; it left you with goosebumps.

Following this great act was Aidan C, as he put his spin on Michael Bublé’s “Everything”. With a smooth voice and smoother moves, Aidan stole the hearts of every single female student watching. The jazz band strolled in next and quickly went to work, leaving us wanting more long after they had left the stage. Kira C then wowed the crowd as she crooned “It’s Only a Paper Moon” and Michelle M choreographed a spectacular dance to a remix of Ne-Yo’s “Without You”.

After the intermission, our vocal jazz show choir “Tonic Fusion” took the stage by storm, putting all of their vocal skills on the table and amazing us with their euphoric melodies. Liam K and Rebecca M then each took to the piano and demonstrated how their hard work and nimble fingers can create tones and songs previously unheard by the Brentwood community. Mr. Doehler and Davin K made us laugh with their “Mix and Match Medley”, ensuring we were all aware of every carol in the English language. Jocelyn K and Liam L next provided us with a little foreign flavour, creating a cultured resonance in the Killy Theatre.

Finally, the concert choir ended the evening by taking us to another land with “Adiemus”, supplying love and laughter with their rendition of “Just the Two of Us” (complete with America’s Next Top Model quality posing) and brought a reminder of home for the Ukrainians watching with the folk tune, “Sleigh Bells”.

A special thanks to the performers and theatre production students who made this night possible. To the arts teachers and volunteers involved, it couldn’t have happened without your support, dedication, and desire for perfection. Thanks.

Sam D, Allard ‘13

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