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A Double Prelude to KBB Success: All Stars Concert & Music Gala

September 01, 2024 at 3:33 PM

In the lead-up to the pinnacle KBB Music Festival, the College Music Department hosted back-to-back performance evenings, setting the stage for what promised to be an impressive competition week. 

On 7 August, the All Stars Concert took place in Elliot Hall, providing the College’s large all-comers ensembles and development music groups a platform to perform before an enthusiastic audience of friends and family. With new Head of Music Nate Collings at the helm, the evening opened with the 2nd Pipe Band, directed by Andrew Lightfoot, and progressed through diverse performances by the Junior Jazz Combo, Macfarlan Strings, Jazz Orchestra, String Ensemble, and Symphonic Band. These groups demonstrated the depth of talent and student involvement across the College’s music program, with many groups having no requirements to participate.

The very next evening, Elliot Hall welcomed guests to our annual Music Gala, showcasing all the auditioned large ensembles that would be competing at KBB. This night of refined performances included the Senior Jazz Combo, Big Band, Concert Band, and Symphony Orchestra, each delivering polished renditions that ranged from Gershwin’s Rhapsody in Blue to Verdi’s Overture to La Forza Del Destino. The Symphony Orchestra’s performance of the Warsaw Concerto featuring soloist and 2023 Solo Music Competition winner, Charles Sang, was a highlight of the evening, drawing rapturous applause.

Together, these two nights of music solidified our musicians preparation for the KBB Music Festival, offering both performers and directors the chance to refine their work and perform under pressure. With such a high level of dedication and skill on display, the College's musicians were more than ready to make their mark at the festival.

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