Events: 12/14/2016

• School Store - OPEN

  Wednesday December 14th, 2016, 6:00 pm — 7:00 pm
• Winter Concert

  Wednesday December 14th, 2016, 7:00 pm — 10:00 pm

  A Concert To Put You In The Holiday Spirit!

  The Mercy High School Music Department is once again preparing for their Holiday Winter Concert. The concert will take place in the school’s auditorium, Wednesday evening, December fourteenth at 7:00 pm. The concert is free and open to the public. 

  The Choral groups are under the direction of Mr. Matthew Campisi.  The music selections for the evening present an eclectic program.  Campisi noted, “We are presenting many different styles that offer an interesting program to both the student performers and the audience. I am a firm believer in exposing everyone to as many different styles of music as possible because I believe it is all relevant!”  The orchestras are under the direction of Mr. Martin Wirt and the selections for this year’s concert are both traditional and contemporary. This is their first year teaching at Mercy and are excited to work with the students on their upcoming concert.

  The vocal selections by the Concert Choir include Alleluia Madrigal. This piece is in three part-harmony in the style of an Early Music (Renaissance) madrigal. Mr.  Campisi chose it because of its musical challenges.  It builds ear-training skills; the ability to stay on one’s own part while harmonizing.  Their second piece is Somewhere in my Memory from the movie Home Alone. Who doesn't love this classic holiday movie?  Bidi Bom, a piece from the Hebrew culture offers musical contrast by being upbeat and demands constant energy from the Concert Choir.  The final piece from the Concert Choir, We Need a Little Christmas is of a piece of Broadway musical fame. Again, this piece offers an additional contrasting style to the program and a great way to end the set.

  Pattapan, a work by B. de La Monnoye, is the first song presented by the String Orchestra. Members of the Mercy string orchestra constructed their own arrangement of this French Christmas Carol to highlight the unique textural possibilities of their ensemble.  Guests will hear an intimate blend of piano, harp, and cello in this musical appetizer that is sure to tickle earbuds, and though it might be among the lesser known of this evening's selections, it's also one of the most charming.

   Charile Brown fans will recognize Christmas Time is Here, by V. Guaraldi, arr. M. Wirt, as it was first heard in the television special A Charlie Brown Christmas. This tune by Vince Guaraldi is a prime example of simple sophistication.  The harpist and pianist fill out the harmonies that evoke feelings of nostalgia and warmth, and the violinists assume the role of the original children's choir singing in unison.

  In The Chipmunk Song, by R. Bagdasarian, arr. M. Wirt, timeless voices of the chipmunks are rendered by the violin section during a comical interlude.  It's not just their squeakiness that makes them instantly recognizable, but the unique layering of the parts, reminiscent of contemporaneous pop vocal arrangements by artists such as Bing Crosby.  Come and see if you can tell who is playing Alvin, Theodore, and Simon! 

  You might recall the original recording of Believe, created G. Ballard / A. Silverstri, arr. M. Story, by Josh Groban for the 2004 animated film The Polar Express.  Harp and piano accompaniment feature prominently in this arrangement which rekindles the childlike wonderment we all once felt, and hopefully still feel, this time of year.

  The most contemporary and least seasonal piece on the program, Viva La Vida, from  Coldplay, arr. L. Moore, is this heavy anthem by British pop-rock giants Coldplay.  This year's string orchestra expressed an interest in exploring some of their favorite string-tinged modern music.  With additional musicians on bass and drums, the group plans to end their portion of the program with an inspiring and impactful flourish.

   

  The Chamber Choir will begin their portion of the concert with Lift thine Eyes from Elijah, composed by Felix Mendelssohn. This is a legitimate piece of classical music from the Romantic period, from the oratorio Elijah. An oratorio is a concert version of a biblical story sung acappella.   One of the most famous pieces by John Rutter is Candlelight Carol.  Rutter is famous for his choral compositions and is one of the most-performed composers in the choral music world today.  This selection offers a beautiful text, challenging vocal lines and the opportunity to create different colors throughout.  The choir’s third selection Where are you Christmas is from How the Grinch Stole Christmas and offers contrast by adding a pop song to the program and will bring pure enjoyment. The Chamber Choir’s final song is high energy: Go Where I Send Thee, a gospel- spiritual selection. This is a challenging piece as it constantly changes keys and divides into five-part harmony.

   

  The wind ensemble opens their section of the concert with, You're a Mean One, Mr. Grinch, this by A. Hague, arr. M. Story.  This piece, popularized by the 1966 film adaptation of Dr. Seuss' How the Grinch Stole Christmas, might be called the predecessor of the 'diss track.'  It features a sassy melody shared by different instrument groups and acts as a light-hearted prelude to their holiday-oriented presentation that follows. 

  We Three Kings of Orient Are, a creation of J. Hopkins / D. Reynolds, arr. M. Wirt, was originally designed for the Beach Boys Christmas Album by famed vocal arranger Dick Reynolds. This classic and familiar hymn has been re-orchestrated and adapted for the Mercy High School wind ensemble.  It pushes the musicians beyond their comfort zone with exposed 'chamber music' sections, two key changes, and numerous intricate, jazz-influenced harmonies throughout.

  The ensemble’s third piece by G. F. Handel, arr. C. Davis / R. Longfield, Hallelujah,  is Mannheim Steamroller's contemporary take on a movement from Handel's Messiah.  A guest bassist, as well as a synthesizer have been recruited for this selection.  Handel may or may not approve of this rendition, but his themes of triumph and reverence shine through the modern rhythms and textures.

   

  This final selection from the wind ensemble, Sleigh Ride, by L. Anderson, arr. J. Ployhar, serves as a fitting conclusion to the winter concert program.  Extended instrumental techniques abound in this faithful rendition of a now-famous depiction of wintertime thrills and frivolity, not the least of which is a realistic 'horse whinny' effect by the first trumpeter.  A great piece to listen for galloping and whip sounds make it a holiday favorite.

  Should there be inclement weather, please check the Mercy High School website, www.mercyhigh.com,  for a cancellation notice.  The snow date for the concert is Thursday, December 15th, same time, same place!