Viewfinder: Pre-Festival Concert Offers Sneak Peek

The West Bloomfield band program had a well-received tuneup performance before a big festival later this month.

The wind ensemble and symphony band joined the symphony band and the eighth-grade symphony band at the high school Wednesday night for the Pre-Festival Concert Series.

Concertgoers agreed that while they were looking forward to the Michigan School Band & Orchestra Association Festival at South Lyon High School on March 19, the pre-festival show was special.

“Look at the selection. For kids of this age to play college level material and beyond, it’s phenomenal,” said Don Lozen, 57, of West Bloomfield, whose daughter, Emily Levine, plays bassoon in the WBHS symphony band. “These are some of the best directors I’ve ever seen, especially considering the challenges that they face.”

Jeremy Figlewicz, director of bands at OLMS and the co-director of bands at WBHS. He said that all of the musicians did a great job in performing Eric Whitacre’s “Lux Aurumque,” Julius Fucik’s “The Florentiner,” and John Barnes Chance’s “Incantation and Dance,” among others.

“Our symphony band puts out music of the top emotional quality and just truly outstanding music. I’m really looking forward into going back to work with them tomorrow,” he said.

Figlewicz, 25, of Clawson, added that playing at WBHS was a big advantage to the quality of the show.

“This is where the kids feel most comfortable,” he said. “Lots of families here tonight. We perform differently when it’s just for the family. It’s a relaxed attitude, to give them one run before the big show.”

student Ryan Conley, 8, said he enjoyed watching his brother, Logan Conley, play clarinet in the OLMS symphony band.

“My favorite one was (Richard Saucedo’s) ‘Groovee!’ because it has nice sounds and I like the clarinets,” Ryan said. “They played really well and they didn’t have any mess-ups.”

Logan agreed. “I think we did really well, everyone. We maintained our balance and we’re looking forward to the festival.”