On October 21, 2025, the Truckee High School band put on a free fall concert at the school. Their symphonic band, jazz ensemble, and jazz band performed.
The symphonic band is the group that’s offered through the school’s band class, composed of all students who enrolled in said class. The two jazz bands are electives that the students get up early in the morning and arrive at school an hour early for.
The symphonic band had a total of five songs: “Malaguena” by Ernesto Lecuona, arr. Sammy Nestico, “Hungarian Dance, No. 5” by Johannes Brahms, arr. David Shaffer, “West Highlands Sojourn, Mvmt 2: Bradford Ballade” by Robert Sheldon, “March to the Scaffold ((From Symphonie Fantastique, Op. 14)” by Hector Berlioz, arr. Calvin Custer, and “Rising Dragons” by Robert W. Smith.
These concerts give the students opportunities for solos and chances to perform for others. According to August Stepper, a percussionist in the symphonic band, it is also an opportunity to connect with fellow students. “The concerts make us all come together and play some awesome music, and it makes us bond”. The students in the band all work together, leading to a widespread connection.
The next band to perform was the jazz band. They performed three songs: “Mercy Mercy Mercy” by Joe Zawinful, “All Blues” by Miles Davis, and “Oye Como Va” by Tito Puente. They also performed a surprise song. With a total of 11 performers, they filled the room with upbeat jazz music that the audience quietly enjoyed. The surprise song included an audience interaction by encouraging them to clap along to start the song.
Finally, the last band to perform was the jazz ensemble. They performed four songs: “Move” by Denzil de Costa Best, “Send In The Clowns” by Stephen Sondheim, “Birdland” by Josef Zawinful, and “Tiger of San Pedro” by John La Barbera. The jazz band has a total of 18 members, performing gigs outside of school as well.
The fall concert gives opportunities for people to hear both symphonic and jazz music for free, while supporting local students in the Tahoe Truckee area. They are always fully decorated and dedicated to their craft, making it a pleasant place to be.
The Truckee High band performs multiple concerts throughout the year, so make sure to keep an eye out for future performances!
