TOWAMENCIN- North Penn held its annual Wind Ensemble concert featuring musical talent from the North Penn Symphonic Band, the three middle school Wind Ensembles, and of course, the North Penn High School Wind Ensemble. The concert showcased North Penn’s talent while also giving a sneak peak into the successful years yet to come with the future generations of the North Penn music department.

The night began in a different manner than concerts have in the past; North Penn Band Director Mr. Michael Britcher and the Symphonic Band made their first appearance at the annual concert, and based on the success of the performance it most likely will not be their last.

“They really represented themselves well tonight, and I am so proud of them,” said Britcher.

The Symphonic Band performed a catchy and attention getting program that was intended to not only be fun to listen to, but also fun to play as well. Some highlights from their music choices were Sevens by Samuel R. Hazo and Undertow by John Mackey.

Following the Symphonic Band, the Pennfield Middle School Wind Ensemble took the stage under the direction of Mr. Chris Thompson. Their selection included Finding A Way by Chris Bernotas and Imaginarium by Randall Standridge.

The next middle school to perform was Penndale, directed by Mr. Ted Heller who was more than pleased with his ensemble’s performance.

“The concert was fantastic; we had the right kind of pieces for the talent we have in our ensemble,” said Heller.

Penndale played a favorite of Heller’s, The Tempest Rising by David Shaffer, for his final year directing middle school band before he moves up to the high school program.

“I love that song, and since it is my last year directing the at Penndale, I thought I would resurrect it,” said Heller.

Following Penndale’s performance was the Pennbrook Wind Ensemble under the direction of Mr. James Marcopul. Their program featured selections such as Triumphant Fanfare by Richard Saucedo and Arrows by Samuel R. Hazo.

The last band of the night was the North Penn Wind Ensemble and Director Michael Britcher, who was overwhelmed with joy over how well the ensemble performed due to the intensity of their selections.

“

Especially during course selection, I think it’s wonderful that the middle schoolers get to see and play at the high school. I want them to realize that if band has been important to them through ninth grade, they shouldn’t stop

— NP Band Director Mr. Michael Britcher

“They were just spectacular while playing very, very challenging music,” said Britcher.

Britcher chose music that was technically difficult, but also from two different time periods. The first two pieces, Millennium Canons by Kevin Matthew Puts and Vientos y Tangos by Michael Gandolfi, are less than fifteen years old, while the last piece, Symphonic Suite by Clifton Williams, is almost sixty.

When asked about his favorite aspect of the annual Wind Ensemble Concert, Britcher emphasized the importance of exposing the dedicated young musicians to high school arts.

“Especially during course selection, I think it’s wonderful that the middle schoolers get to see and play at the high school. I want them to realize that if band has been important to them through ninth grade, they shouldn’t stop,” said Britcher.