Monarch Musicians from Mariposa Elementary made their grand debut at the winter concert. This officially broke a two-year hiatus of students performing on stage. Students and parents alike were overjoyed to hear three different performing ensembles. The three ensembles were tubano drumming, chorus, and Orff xylophone band. The selected fourth and fifth grade students dedicated after-school time to participate in preparing music for their ensemble.
The tubano drumming ensemble opened the concert playing drum patterns sequenced to holiday songs. “All I Want For Christmas Is You” by Mariah Carey, “Feliz Navidad” by José Feliciano, “Rockin’ Around The Christmas Tree” by Brenda Lee, and “A Holly Jolly Christmas” by Burl Ives were all performed. Along with a rocking closer from “Wizards In Winter” by the Trans-Siberian Orchestra.
The chorus filled the cafeteria with confident singing. Selections were “Hanukkah Is Here” by Karl Hitzemann, “Keep The Candles Going” by Teresa Jennings (featuring solos by Alexandra Torres and Abigail Negron), “O Kwanzaa” by Teresa Jennings, “Christmas Night” by Mike Wilson, “Red Bird” by Teresa Jennings, and a closer of “Fiesta De Navidad” by Mike Wilson.
The Orff xylophone band was the last ensemble to perform. The students started and ended their own performance without any teacher assistance. They played “Troika! A Russian Sleigh Ride” composed by Jeff Henson along with “Masquerade Ball” arranged by Jeff Henson. Their enthusiasm and pride shined throughout the performance. Cheers and congratulations to their peers that performed alongside them were shared. Great job by all!
