The music programs at Clara Brownell Middle School and Umatilla High School are gearing up for their Holiday Concert and teacher Brandon Quam is pretty excited to share what his students will be performing.
The combined concert features both the middle school and high school students. The Advanced Middle School Band and the High School Band will play a version of Stars and Stripes/Jingle Bells, which Quam said is a tough piece, but the players have been working hard on it. The 6th Grade Band will demonstrate some of their progress so far this year with a three-part arrangement of Jingle Bells. “They have been doing a phenomenal job,” Quam said.
Advanced Choir and High School Concert Choir will present Angels We Have Heard on High and Joy to the World. Finally, the Beginning Choir will sing some unison Christmas songs and Silent Night in German.
This is Quam’s first year as a music teacher in the Umatilla School District. He teaches at the middle school in the morning and the high school in the afternoon. The music program has had several teachers in just a few years, which has been a little challenging for consistency and keeping students engaged. However, Quam said he has a lot of ideas and is really enjoying working with the students and developing their musical interests and talents.
“The students and I are really looking forward to the December concert, there should be something for everyone to enjoy!”
The Holiday Concert is on Tuesday, December 13th at 7 PM in the UHS Commons. Admission is FREE.