Crescenta Valley Musicians Take the Auditorium Tonight

The  marching band will parade through the auditorium Friday night, only this time they're not just performing the Falcon fight song. They will be joined by students in the jazz band, wind ensemble, string orchestra and symphony orchestra for a night full of holiday tunes.

More than 270 freshmen through seniors will perform at the at 7 p.m. tonight at MacDonald Auditorium at 2900 Community Ave. in La Crescenta.

The Crescenta Valley marching band of 110 students will perform their field show music for the last time this season with whistles and blue and white Falcon uniforms. Jazz band will liven the concert with songs such as Baby, It's Cold Outside and Santa Baby.

"The Symphony Orchestra will perform the Hallelujah Chorus with choir as well as some other holiday medleys and if you close your eyes, it's hard to believe that they are in high school," said Mathew Schick, Crescenta Valley instrumental teacher and concert conductor.

The concert will highlight every instrumental group, Schick said. As the first "public performance" for many of the groups, each ensemble will play three to four songs for about 15 to 20 minutes.

The symphony is an auditioned group, with many who have parents who are Los Angeles Philharmonic members or professional composers, said Coleen Godwin, staff member for the music department.

Symphony orchestra, jazz band and marching band members do not train together. Students take separate classes for their training.

Junior Selina Magid plays the bassoon in the symphony orchestra. "It's a lot of fun to hear all the other groups," Selina said. "So it's a chance to see what the other groups are working on."

Selina enjoys the song Traditions of Christmas the most.

Senior Connor Lock performs in jazz band and marching band. The trumpeter has played the brass instrument since 4th grade and says he enjoys music with high notes, long parts and playing pieces written for professional bands.

"It's fun because it's not something I can pick up the first time or the twentieth time," Connor said. "It's a challenge."

At the end of the show, Connor and his fellow jazz band members will play alongside the marching band to the tune of Struttin' Down the Mistletoe and Spirit of Christmas. The Falcon fight song is the last performance of the evening. 

Tickets for the performance are $8 for adults and $5 for students with an ASB card. The concert will also be professionally recorded and CDs are available to order for $20.