Wednesday March 5, the Bands of Santiago Sharks returned from a five-day trip to New York City to play at the famous Carnegie Hall. The BOSS got to experience a wide array of activities and places during their visit to the Big Apple.
The BOSS left late on Friday Feb. 28 on a five-hour, red-eye flight to New York City. The BOSS stayed the entirety of their trip at the Park Central Hotel just blocks away from the world famous Times Square. The Band Students would have multiple opportunities to visit and explore Times Square throughout their trip.
Their next few days in New York City would be occupied with fun events and activities such as seeing The Lion King on Broadway, visiting the 9/11 memorial, a visit to Central Park, and cruise around the Hudson. Principal Dr. Ryan Lewis, who also participated in the trip, even bought a box full of cannolis from the Cake Boss Bakery for one of the busses of Band Students. All the while the students were fitting in time for practice for their big performance. The BOSS even had the privilege to practice alongside students visiting from Israel, in addition to clinics taught by famous composer and performer Johan De Meij.
Finally on March 4 the BOSS suited up in their concert attire for the program’s second performance at Carnegie Hall. Santiago’s Symphonic Band went first and performed three songs: Into the Clouds! – composed by Richard Saucedo, with guest Conductor Kevin Mcgee the Citrus Hills Intermediate School band teacher, Ave Verum Corpus – composed by W.A. Mozart, and Prairie Dances – composed by David Holsinger. Later that night Santiago’s Festival of Winds Band performed four more songs: Fanfare for Celebration – composed by Gary Ziek, Sleep, My Child – composed by Eric Whitacre, Shape Shifter – composed by Steven Schmidt, and Bullets and Bayonets – composed by John Phillip Sousa. At the end of the performances Santiago’s Band instructors Kris Parish and Joe Dudek were honored with awards.
The BOSS had a great time in New York City and created many memories that are sure to last them a lifetime.
