After a long, dreary winter, Phoenix student musicians ushered in the spring season with an upbeat concert featuring several solo performances that brought the crowd to its feet.
The John C. Birdlebough High School symphonic band, under the direction of Joanna Young, kicked things off with four songs that delighted the audience.
Student musicians played “Earth and Sky,” “Wind,” and “Sun Cycles,” before concluding with “On Cloud Nine!” — a fast-paced, energetic song that set the tone for the wind ensemble’s performance to cap off the evening.
Members of the wind ensemble played the part and even dressed the part during the song “Mambo Greats.”
The playful rendition featured soloists Brian Breen (flute); Wyatt Parker (xylophone); Rachel Isbell (clarinet); and Jacob Nicolini (trumpet).
Some students wore sombreros, sunglasses and ponchos as they played the upbeat song.
In addition to the evening of music, wind ensemble director Dave Frateschi also recognized two students who participated in the All-County Orchestra Festival in March.
He presented Mattingly Gleason and Rachel Isbell with certificates honoring them for their achievement.
