Hundred students sit upright as the director takes a stance on the podium. In matter of seconds the audience is wrapped up in jolly holiday music.
On December 9, 2011, in the El Dorado High School Joe Raya Gymnasium, the El Dorado High School Instrumental Music Department held their annual holiday concert. Under the direction of Eric Samson as the band director and Gary Hung as the orchestra director, students invited families and friends to share holiday spirit.
“I love the holiday concert. Its how I know that Christmas is just around the corner,” exclaims Becca Mauer, a senior flute player.
For 2 and a half hour, musicians of various talent levels assembled to present 19 different holiday songs. Many of the songs were different arrangements of familiar holiday music. There were also songs from holiday movies such as Polar Express, played as a medley of all songs.
“This is a great way to get ready for the holidays,” said Cindy Jeong, a parent of a clarinet player.
Besides the holiday music, the concert also holds a raffle for holiday gift baskets. As a way to fundraise for the instrumental department raffle tickets were sold by each student for a dollar. More than 30 gift baskets were given out sending extra holiday cheer for those who won.
“As much as I enjoy the music the raffle for the gift basket is my favorite part,” said Jong Park, a parent of a trumpet player.
Sending holiday joy to the audience, the concert allowed the instrumental music department to thank their families and friends for the continued support.
