The winter concert is a staple of the Bronx Science experience. Not only do the festive and upbeat songs get everyone in the spirit for the holidays, but they’re also a nice way to end the year. On December 11th and 12th of 2019, the auditorium stage welcomed Chorus, Jazz Band, Concert Band, and Orchestra as they immersed themselves in the melodious sounds of their voices and instruments. Through the instruction of conductors Mr. Mantilla and Mr. DeSilva, the four performance groups each did a spectacular job of grabbing the audience’s attention with songs from Beethoven, Mariah Carey, The Greatest Showman, and more. 

As the lights dimmed, Chorus made their way down the auditorium aisles to the stands in front of the stage. They started off with “Lean on Me” by Bill Withers and then took us to “Africa,” “Porcaro,” and “The Ash Grove.” They saved the most festive song for last with Mariah Carey’s “All I Want for Christmas”; the audience even sang along! This piece was the only song to feature solos, which added a special nuance to it.

After Chorus, Jazz Band engaged in their upbeat and bright music. Songs like “Take the ‘A’ Train” and “Speak No Evil” created a lively atmosphere. “I think Jazz Band made an amazing performance at the concert. Not only were the solos expressive and colorful, but the band in general was so in-sync and connected with one another that it felt like I had been playing with them for longer than three years,” said alto sax player, Phoebe Anne Marbid ’21.

Following up was Orchestra, and with them, the sound of their bows gliding down string instruments accompanied with woodwinds, brass, and percussion. Unique to this performance group was viola player Amelia Krinke ’22, who conducted and arranged a piece for the concert. “I was thrilled that Mr. Desilva gave me the opportunity to guest conduct. High school conductors rarely ever get the opportunity to conduct an orchestra, because there are so many conductors and so few orchestras,” said Krinke. “I’m also really grateful to the orchestra for working so hard and playing their best under my baton.” 

Concert Band had the honor of being the last performance of the night. By featuring songs that the audience were bound to be familiar with, like “Let it Go” from Frozen and “A Million Dreams” from The Greatest Showman, Concert Band allowed its listeners to enjoy their performance through a different perspective and form a stronger connection with the songs. “What I enjoyed about performing was how it’s one thing to play a piece alone, but with all the other people playing different instruments, it sounds a thousand times better,” said Braden Lenn ’23. 

Though it was nice to hear the students’ musical talents at work, the experience was an exhilarating one for the performers, as well. “It was an amazing experience being able to perform with a group of peers. At first, you have this sense that your heart is ready to beat out of your chest, but as the concert begins, it comes naturally to you like a daily routine,” said Orchestra percussionist Matthow Dai ’21. 

The winter concert has provided a means for students to reflect on their musical journeys thus far. “This performance taught me how important it is to share one’s talents with the world. After the concert, I could hear people humming some of the songs that Jazz Band played,” said Marbid. “Whenever I attended concerts for my favorite artists, I find myself doing the same thing, and so I was happy to know that Jazz Band was able to connect to the audience. I hope that more people will be inspired by Jazz Band’s performance in many concerts to come.” 

The preparation for and execution of the concert also enabled the student performers to see music from a different perspective. “Working with the orchestra here at Bronx Science has taught me a lot about collaboration and mutual respect when it comes to music making,” said Krinke. “Conducting is one of those things where you need to see the forest for more than its trees but also pay attention to each individual tree. Each player in the orchestra has something unique to bring to the table that makes the experience really special, and it’s the conductor’s job to organize that into a cohesive performance.”

The chorus and bands worked together to put on an amazing show for us. The hours that they put into preparing for the concert were rewarded by the roaring cheers from the crowd of proud parents and supportive students and faculty.

The winter concert has provided a means for students to reflect on their musical journeys thus far.