By Emily Pruitt Nemec
Buford High School’s band program provided two fantastic end-of-the-year performances this past week at the Fine Arts Center on the Buford Academy campus. Last week’s performance, by the Percussion Ensemble and Jazz Band, played an upbeat mixture that seemed to include every type of music, most of which were chosen by the students. The music included many genres; from Michael Jackson and Diana Ross to Bruno Mars and a unique arrangement of Lincoln Park arranged by the Buford Band Director himself, Matt Young. The Percussion Ensemble entertained and impressed the audience by banging on kitchen stools in a fun and funky song titled “Stool Pigeon” by Julie Davila. The performers enjoyed themselves during this number! There was also big band, funk with a Latin influence, and just good old fashion soul from the past and present.
This week’s performance highlighted the many talents of the Symphonic Band and Wind Ensemble. Listening to the musical performances took the audience on an epic journey through many landscapes of past and present. The Symphonic Band performed “Hadrian’s Wall,” which ominously told of a journey, and filled the room with sounds of purpose, battle, and victory. The Wind Ensemble continued to carry the audience on a journey as they performed “Raging Machines”, which created rhythmic yet emotional sounds representing machines and city life. “Foundry” was an unconventional song that lured the audience in with a perfect blend of rhythm and chaos. The final number completed the epic journey in a traditional folklore manner, with a German tale of twin sisters, full of emotion and musical passion.
These performances capped off a busy and wonderful year for the Buford High School Band Program. Students in the band program will be honored for their work at the BHS Band Banquet on Wednesday, May 16th at the Buford Community Center.
