The joint was jumpin’ at the middle school gym on December 20 for the annual Winter Band Concert. The event included lively performances by both the jazz and concert bands.

The jazz band began with a rendition of April in Paris, which put the audience into a continental mood.

“My favorite song to learn was April in Paris, it was really just fun to play,” junior Charlie Pedorella said.

This was followed by the Toy Story theme song, You’ve Got a Friend in Me, featuring junior vocalist Alyssa Lynn Catalanotto, who was also the vocals for the holiday classic, Have Yourself a Merry Little Christmas. They closed the set with What is Hip?, a funky throwback from the 70s. It included solos from juniors Stephen Tahbaz and Brian McFarland, and senior Ben Glickman.

The concert band played Into the Clouds, Joy in All Things, and Chanukah Medley, created by Band Director Mr. Van Bochove.

“I wanted to try to make my own [Chanukah piece],” Mr. Van Bochove said.

The band wrapped up the concert with a cheery rendition of Leroy Anderson’s Sleigh Ride. It’s fair to say the band “sleighed” it at the concert.