West Hartford’s Hall High School music program has hosted several winter concerts this December.

By Hadley Smith. Photos by Craig Rosenberg

Schools across the West Hartford Public Schools district have been holding their winter concerts, with bands and orchestras preparing throughout their musical classes to sum up their repertoire before break begins.

On Dec. 15, Hall’s Concert Orchestra and other groups had a spectacular production at St. James’s Church, led by Emmett Drake.

 

And everyone wishes there could have been a blanket of snow outside that would have matched the velvety warmth of the music inside the auditorium on Wednesday, Dec. 17 as Hall’s music program held its annual Winter Concert. The concert was a resonant two-hour performance that served as a golden, musical anchor to the start of the holiday season; the young musicians delivered a program that was as technically articulate as it was emotionally engaging, proving that these performers are much more than just a high school ensemble.

Conductor Phil Giampietro noted, “These students worked tirelessly for three months to bring this challenging program to life.” The theme of Mr. G’s program this year was to “shoot for the stars,” with students performing “RocketShip!” as their last piece. Wishing everyone a Happy Holiday and a Happy New Year, both the orchestra and concert band finished with a flourish.

As the concert band members walked off the stage, Mr. G shook every single hand to “express his thanks to his students.” He shook hands with Drake, leader of the orchestra, to thank him for his efforts as well. Drake, many parents noted, played with the concert band in performing the piano part of much of their repertoire. “It shows the bond between these music programs at Hall that we’re able to ask for help and support and receive it from both ends,” he said when questioned about the piano.

As families exited the building Wednesday night, the festive feeling circulating the auditorium was admirable, with folks yelling out “Happy Hanukkah!” and “Merry Christmas!” to their friends and family.

Concerts have become more and more about bringing the community around Hall together, to listen to music and support the programs that have fostered curiosity in these students for decades. Both high schools, Hall and Conard, deserve the praise they receive for their excellence in promoting the musical programs within their schools. Both have resounding recognition across the state, and it should be pointed out that most of the musicians within their concert bands, orchestras, and choirs all make up a large portion of the students accepted into Regionals and All-State musical ensembles. Yet, they all aspire to perform their best for their community, such as in this annual winter concert.

The official program for the Hall concert was short, with each music group playing only three to four songs. Parents, when asked what could be improved about Hall’s concerts, voiced that they would enjoy concerts that occurred more frequently.

“I rarely get to hear the final products of their work; all I get to hear is the practicing upstairs, and maybe two concerts a year,” explained one parent who discussed the problem with Mr. G. It has been brought to the directors many times that the town would appreciate more opportunities to hear the musical talent this community harbors. As for whether there will be more concerts, that is up for discussion.

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