Setting the stage for what was to follow--that is to say brilliantly scripted and incredibly powerful music--the George Mason Choir opened the annual Winter Concert last week with a moving performance of "Veni, Veni Emmanuel." Under the cover of darkness, the choral members entered by candlelight, greeting the packed auditorium before them with genuine melody.

Although the bar had been positioned high, the harmonious tunes of the Brass and Woodwind Quintet followed by the GMHS Jazz ensemble and Symphonic Band, were enough to reach the previous mark set by the choir.

"Here We Go A Wassailing," by Larson, opened the Brass and Woodwind Quintets portion of the show and was executed perfectly. The Quintet is headed by district band qualifiers Nathan Ballou on tuba and Maggie Person on French horn.

Highlighted by a stellar rendition of "Birdland" by Zawinul/Arr. Kerchner, the Jazz Ensemble was in peak performance once again, as they had been in the past for both the NHS Induction Ceremony and the JV Show.

The GMHS Symphonic Band had its chance to bring it all together and it did with a glorious performance to cap off the evening show. Combined with an awe-inspiring performance yet again by the Choir, the Band finished with Holiday Favorites, setting the stage for a Christmas season hopefully as joyful as the Winter Concert.

In other news from the music department, the following performers made the All-District Chorus: Brittany Smith, Daisy Torla, Lili Miller, Dan Burkey, Jason Martinez, Dan McDonald, Adam Gann and Gavin Argo.

Nathan Ballou, Maggie Person, Christin Parson, Holly McAlpin, Alicia Hartstack and Elena Martinez made the All-District Band.