Gallery • 15 Photos

J. Dollins

Taber welcomes parents, families, and community members to the Fall Concert.

Grand Terrace, CA—It was a show that almost didn’t go on. Hours before the choir kicked off this year’s Fall Concert, Band Director Kenneth Taber finally got the green light.

Despite the uncertainty, Colton’s choir and wind ensemble performed admirably in their hour-long performance at Grand Terrace High School’s auditorium.

“It was a big ask of the kids,” Taber shared after the show about the ensemble’s set, which included two challenging pieces of contrasting styles. “They’ve come a long way.”

The band’s first piece was “Folklore for Band” by Jim Andy Caudill. The arrangement had a rowdy, western-tinged vibe wrapped around several time and rhythm changes. After the band ended this one, the crowd of parents and friends erupted in applause. One person in the back of the audience shouted “That was awesome!.” 

Even Taber himself, who is known for being very particular about his students’ performances, had a wide smile and said between songs, “That was great, even for me.”

Band culminated their show with the song “Benediction,” a slow, “church-like” number that tested the band’s ability to play together and hold long, sustained notes. Junior Julio De La Cruz played a trombone solo. “It was cool,” he said, short and sweet, like his solo.

Choir’s performance was also stellar. They sang two songs. Their best was “Will I” from the musical “Rent,” which featured senior Vivian Guevara in a vocal solo and senior Anthony Alcaraz on lead guitar.

Guevara was overjoyed to be performing in what will be her last Fall Concert. This year in particular has a special significance for her. “It means a lot to me, especially the fact that a lot of my friends joined choir this year. It’s fun to be able to share these moments with them.”

Choir also performed Alicia Keys’ pandemic-inspired song “Together.”