Central Bands Play Christmas Concert, Prepare for All-Region Tryouts

Central High School’s Sarah Bernhardt Theatre was standing room only Sunday afternoon, as the Central bands performed a Christmas concert.

The Freshman, Symphonic and Honor Bands performed a variety of Christmas music, as well as sold a chili supper at the cafeteria in order to raise funds for the program.

In addition, a Marine was present collecting donations for Toys for Tots.

You could smell the pride emanating from parents, grandparents, siblings and friends of the band, as the hardworking students showed off their musical prowess.

Some students showed Christmas spirit by wearing Santa hats, creating a flair of color amongst the metallic bells of brass instruments.

The music performed by the band students were arrangements of classic Christmas songs performed with a twist. For example, “Christmas Rock!”, arranged by John Edmondson, was a medley of “Jingle Bell Rock” and “Rockin’ Around the Christmas Tree,” performed by the Freshman Band.

The Symphonic Band chimed in with “Noel Francais,” a medley of French Carols arranged by James Ployhar.

The Honor Band previewed a potential march for their upcoming concert season, “Commando March,” as well as played “A Christmas Festival,” to keep the cheer going.

The concert culminated in all the bands playing “You’re a Mean One, Mr. Grinch” while being conducted by Chief of Police Tim Vasquez.

You can watch the police chief conduct the band here:

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All funds raised went to the CHS Band and Color Guard Program. Up next for the CHS Band is the All Region tryouts.

Joey Ashbrooke, Director of the Central High School Band, explained what All-Region Band is and what it does for the students. Students try out for the All-Region Band by playing difficult etudes, Ashbrooke said.

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“I didn’t pick that music, that’s what the state said a 5A player should be able to play,” said Ashbrook.

There are 22 regions in state and they pick the best students to be in the regional bands.

“If you score in the top 1% of your section you advance to Area,” explained Ashbrook, who then described the competition once they get to the area level. “They will be up against students who’ve had private lessons once a week since 6th grade.”

He says he knows that for sure because he came from that area.

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San Angelo Central High School Homor Band performs "A Christmas Festival."

Typically, a student who makes the All-State band will receive a four-year full scholarship to any public school in Texas.

“That’s what a prestigious group it is,” said Ashbrook. “Over 280,000 students to ultimately make 188 spots in the All-State band.”

Many of the students in the honor band are preparing to audition, hence the reason the Honor Band played two songs instead of four.

Those who came out to support the band will help send these students to tryouts, and maybe even get a few scholarships.