Colton, CA—On Friday evening at Colton High School’s Whitmer Auditorium, the concert band and choir put on their annual Christmas concert to the delight of a packed crowd.
Choir led the event off, singing nine Christmas tunes, including holiday classics like “Rudolph, the Red-Nosed Reindeer” and ambitious gems like “White Winter Hymnal,” a modern folk song by indie band Fleet Foxes, and popularized by acapella performers Pentatonix.
Among the setlist, Colton High School was treated to some special performances. This featured several solos and duets, including Alejandra Valenton and Sienna Fernandez on “Rudolph,” Vanessa Toj Ramon on “Down to the River to Pray,” Jinx Jackson and Alejandra Gomez on “Jingle Bell Rock,” Angel Ortega on “Frosty the Snowman,” and Madi Guerena on “Let It Snow.”
“It was very nerve wracking being on stage,” said Valenton. “I just accepted it because nothing is perfect, and I just decided to have fun. It was relieving after we were done.”
“They have worked so hard, and I am so proud of them,” said choir director Dr. Jessica Cannaday. “They have improved drastically.”
Choir concluded their set with an audience sing-a-long of “Feliz Navidad/I Want to Wish You a Merry Christmas.” Then it was concert band’s turn to shine.
Band’s performance began with a break in tradition. Director Aron Campbell chose to place his ensemble in the orchestra pit at the front of the stage instead of on stage as has been the choice of band’s past.
Campbell explained the decision. “It helps to amplify smaller groups and soloists,” he said, “and help them to open up more.”
The band performed three pieces, including a medley of Christmas classics such as “Joy to World” and “We Wish You a Merry Christmas,” “Little Drummer Boy,” and a rousing rendention of “The Polar Express” as arranged by Johnnie Vinton.
Satisfied with his first Winter performance as well, Campbell hopes to inspire and encourage other students to join the band program.
In between sets, a special guest band called Grupo Ausencia Especial came together to perform a holiday number. The band included Jimmy Magana, Ulises Sandoval, Isaak Ontiveros, Oscar Tapia, Julio Romero, and Eddie Torres.
