To the editor:
Kudos to Mr. Jacob Weinstein and the members of the Band of Blue for their outstanding Spring Concert on Friday night.
After what I know was a very intense rehearsal schedule for both the Symphonic Band and Wind Ensemble earlier this semester, preparing for their Large Group Performance Evaluation in March and receiving all Superior ratings in performance and sightseeing, they turned around and worked up a compelling program for last night’s performance.
This level of music was both demanding and most entertaining, showcasing each group’s abilities to execute with precision, emotion and obvious pride.
Mr. Weinstein has definitely proven himself to be worthy of all of the respect and praise he has received.
He will keep the traditions and the quality of the HCHS Band of Blue at the high level everyone has come to expect, both on the marching field and on stage.
Last night was a special one for another reason. Mr. Weinstein and the band commissioned their music arranger, Chris Cresswell to compose an original piece for the combined bands, based on the melodies of the HCHS Fight Song and the Alma Mater. The piece, “Legacy In Blue,” and the premiere performance last night was dedicated to Mr. Ryan Dukes, past director for the last seventeen years at Habersham Central High School.
Mr. Dukes hard work and enthusiasm prepared the way for Mr. Weinstein to step in seamlessly to carry the torch and keep it shining brightly.
Let me say that this old band director, retired for 23 years, left the auditorium glowing with pride and a little misty-eyed.
Nelson Payne
Clarkesville