End-of-the-Year Concert and Awards Banquet

The Campo Verde High School Bands held their last concert of the year on Thursday, May 10, featuring performances from the school’s Symphony Orchestra. The bands performed to a full auditorium under the Direction of Director of Bands, Matt Kozacek, Assistant Director of Bands, Taylor Mitchell, and Director of Orchestras, Crystal Payne.

The concert began with a smooth rendition of classic jazz tunes by the Junior Varsity Jazz Ensemble, including “The Big Beat” by Gregory Yasinitsky,” “Oscar’s Blues” by George Shutack, and the Latin groove “Barbados” by Paul Lee. The concert continued with a varied and complex repertoire of upbeat jazz melodies inspired by composer and arranger Gordon Goodwin’s “Attack of the Killer Tomatoes,” and “Count Bubba’s Revenge” performed by the highly skilled Varsity Jazz Ensemble.

Later that night, the Concert Band and Symphonic Band captivated the audience with their unforgettable rendition of beautiful classical melodies, including “Autumn Rains,” “The Masque of the Red Death,” “Blue Mambo” by Michael Sweeney, “We May Rise” by Preston Hazzard, and “Boundary” by John Mackey. The young musicians delivered a flawless performance.

After a brief intermission, the members of the United Sound performed a lovely melody titled “Snarl” written by John Mackey, followed by a stunning performance of “America the Beautiful” and “Suite of Old American Dances” by the gifted Wind Ensemble. The night concluded with the Symphony Orchestra’s incredible “Star Wars” performance leaving the audience feeling the force.

The following day, CVHS bands held their end-of-the-year formal banquet to celebrate a successful musical year, honor those musicians who excelled in the band program, and pay tribute to the outgoing senior class of 2019.  Thank you to all the members of the music program for an incredible musical year!