Edison High band and choir showcase skills

Edison High School presented a showcase of its performing arts programs at the historic Huntington Beach High School Auditorium on Friday.

Taking the stage that evening were the Edison High School Jazz Ensemble, the Advanced Choir, Percussion Ensemble and Wind Ensemble, all presenting an evening of excellent musical performances.

The Edison High School Performing Arts Showcase aimed to encourage participation in the performing arts by showcasing the work of some of the school’s most creative and talented students. The showcase was a first opportunity for many of the performers to demonstrate what they have been working on throughout the school year and was an opportunity for them to experience performing on stage and to improve their performing abilities.

The Jazz Ensemble began the evening with “Area 51,” “Check Your Swing,” “Jive Samba” and “1.21 GigaWatts.” These pieces range from a high energy rock chart to a medium tempo swing chart, from an exciting Latin-influenced piece to a high-energy, up-tempo jazz/rock song, all of which demonstrated the versatility and skills of the Jazz Ensemble. The performance included solo improvisations by several of the student musicians.

The Advanced Choir, directed by Joe Kral, skillfully performed several selections from a festival in which they had recently competed. This gave the students another chance to perform on stage for their peers and to share their artistic talents.

“One Or The Other” is the name of the Percussion Ensemble’s 2013 show, which they will use to compete in drum line competitions during the next few months. Drum line competitions are held to specific times and judged on various criteria; however, this evening the group of percussionists did not march but used the opportunity to demonstrate their rhythmical talents and polish their performing skills.

Finally, the Wind Ensemble took the stage to perform Novo Lenio followed by Foundry by John Mackey as conducted by EHS Assistant Band Director Kristen Robertson, a piece that celebrates the fact that percussionists have the ability to make just about anything into an instrument. The ensemble closed with a lively MacArthur Park.

It was an excellent evening showcasing the outstanding talents of the Edison High School musical students.

SUSAN DAVIS is a member of the Edison High School band boosters. Her daughter is a junior at the school and a member of color guard.