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Music programs are often very popular throughout high schools, and Ramstein is no different. Three of the school’s central performance groups successfully presented music of varying genres and styles at their most recent concert.
On October 17, 2024 Ramstein High School’s Intermediate, Jazz and Advanced Concert Bands performed for their fall concert. While this concert usually consists of pep band tunes from the football season, this year, for the first time, the groups presented a full new spread of concert music.
During the concert, the Intermediate Band performed “Alamo March” by Karl King and “March of the Dwarfs” by Edvard Greig. The Intermediate Band at Ramstein serves as an introduction to high school band. Many members of the group are underclassmen and are able to gain experience through their participation.
The fall concert was the Ramstein Jazz Band’s second performance of their most recent setlist. They performed last week at the school’s Hispanic Heritage Month Assembly in addition to the performance on the 17th. During this concert, they played several hits including “Don’t Know Why” by Jesse Harris and “Night and Day” by Cole Porter.
“Jazz has a different feel, so I’m really glad that I get to work with other people and gain skills,” said Maika Cordova (11), a pianist and singer in the Jazz Band. “We take more time on some songs, and we fix certain things with each one daily.”
Ramstein High School fall concert (DODEA Ramstein High School - Facebook)
The advanced concert band at Ramstein consists of over thirty members who play various instruments including woodwinds, brass and percussion. This concert consisted of “Black Horse Troop” by John Phillip Sousa, “Amparito Roca” by Jaime Texidor and “Evensong” by William Harbinson. “Black Horse Troop” features several instrument sections, especially the trumpets and low brass in a hearty march tempo, while “Evensong” presents a more calming feel. “Amparito Roca” is an upbeat Spanish march which features low brass, saxophones and flutes.
The fall concert is known for its short preparation, which was cut especially short due to a fast turnaround after the pep band season. According to Dr. Mario Bertoluzzi, the current band director at Ramstein, “The fast turnaround is really tricky and takes some thought and tactics to navigate successfully. We start slowly and take it seriously.” The time period for this concert was especially tight, considering the brand-new set lists and less than two months of preparation time.
This concert is the first major performance of the year at Ramstein. It is especially important as it functions as a leadup to the Honors Music Festival audition music release. This event, which occurs every spring, is vital to the success of all Ramstein bands. The school is known for consistently sending the most students to the event. Last year Ramstein sent 17 band students, five of which were first chairs of their respective sections.
“Our concerts require us to prepare something perfectly, and Honor Band auditions are won by doing just that,” Bertoluzzi said. “It’s hard to argue with perfection.”
Ramstein High School fall concert (DODEA Ramstein High School - Facebook)
