Young Musicians Perform in Christmas Concert

By Marshall De Lonay

On Wednesday, December 15^th, the Newman Catholic High School music department put on a rousing performance at their Christmas Concert.  The night started off with the Concert Band playing “Have Yourself a Merry Little Christmas” and three movements from the piece “Messiah.”  The pieces set the environment, and Christmas flair filled the gym. 

The second group to perform was the Newman Catholic Jazz Band.  Their songs put a lovely swing on the whole concert.  They performed songs including “Feliz Navidad,” “O Christmas Tree,” and a lovely melody of Christmas favorites in “A Big Band Christmas 1 and 2.”  There were tremendous solos by Marshall De Lonay, Nate Martin, Erin Kast, and most importantly Brad Miller who premiered in his first solo performance.

The Concert Choir was the last to perform, but certainly not the least.  They performed some of the great songs such as “All Through the Night” and “Dinner Bell Carol.”  Their harmonies filled the gym and if you closed your eyes it seemed as though you were in Carnegie Hall listening to the Notre Dame Choir. 

The night ended with a collaboration of the Concert Band and Choir in a performance of “Mary Did You Know?”  The band and choir complimented each other seamlessly and the extra accompaniment by our special guests, Mrs. Raddatz on cello, Maddie Luetmer on violin, and Mr. Maher on trumpet, added so much to the arrangement.  The night ended splendidly and everyone thoroughly enjoyed the performances. 

The next time to catch the talented music department will be in the spring at the Spring Concert; it will be an inspiring end to the seniors’ performances under the Newman Catholic High School roof.  They will all be missed, but it will be a performance that will never be forgotten.