“Spreading Holiday Cheer”

Concert draws capacity crowd

Story and photos by Tara Hefferan

Newaygo Bands’ 2024 Winter Concert took place Wednesday, December 19, 2024 in the Newaygo High School Cafetorium.  As always, Newaygo’s talented student musicians delivered skillful performances that left the standing room only crowd enveloped in holiday cheer. 
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 The evening kicked off with the Newaygo High School Jazz Band playing a lively rendition of A Marshmallow World.  Then, Director of Bands Branden Listh, sporting a cheerful red snowman tie, greeted the audience and welcomed the first performers to the main stage, the 6th Grade Band.  Mr. Listh shared how far the 6th graders have come in only a few short months, from knowing just a few notes to now playing full melodies and harmonies.  The 6th Grade Band played seven songs, starting with Rain, Rain and ending with The Dreidel Song.  Assistant Band Director Megan Funk conducted the 6th grade performance.

As the Jazz Band played Big Band Holiday, the combined 7th & 8th Grade Band took to the stage.  They played three high energy numbers, including Deck the Halls with Chips and Salsa, Grandma Got Run Over by a Reindeer!, and S’vivon.  Mr. Listh conducted the 7th and 8th grade performance, which showcased the students’ musical growth since last year.

​The Jazz Band played another seasonal selection, We Three Kings, as the High School Symphonic Band took the stage.  The Symphonic Band’s performance started in dramatic fashion, with four trumpeters standing at attention while launching into On This Day Earth Shall Ring!  The band followed next with a spirited rendition of A Celtic Christmas, ending the evening with the showstopping finale, Brazilian Bell Carol.  In all, the rich, layered arrangements highlighted the exceptional musical talents of Newaygo’s award-winning Symphonic Band.

Following the concert, Mr. Listh said, “I want to emphasize how proud I am of our students and the work they’ve done to prepare for this concert. Their energy, creativity, and perseverance continue to amaze me. I’d also like to thank our community for their unwavering support—it truly makes all the difference.”
 The Winter Concert, says Mr. Listh, is about leaving the audience “feeling uplifted and inspired by the students’ talent and dedication. This concert is about more than just the music—it’s about creating a sense of community and spreading holiday cheer.”  Judging by the smiling faces in the audience and the proud joy of the student performers, this year’s concert did just that.