BRAWLEY — After months of preparation, the various bands in the local elementary school district had the opportunity to put their talents on display for adoring parents and community members.
The Brawley Elementary School District Christmas concert featured the advanced bands from Phil D. Swing Elementary School, Miguel Hidalgo Elementary School and Barbara Worth Junior High School.
The concert featured 14 songs, which showcased the talents of each student including Barbara Martinez, who had a flute solo during one of the pieces.
“I was a little nervous, I could feel myself shaking,” said Barbara, a 13-year-old eighth-grader. “We practiced a lot and had extra rehearsals, so I think that helped.”
A few of the pieces featured all of the bands playing at the same time, which Rocio Chacon particularly enjoyed.
“It was fun because we sounded really loud and big,” said Rocio, and 11-year-old sixth-grader. “It was also fun to learn the music together.”
The concert was equally entertaining for parents like Brawley resident Teresa Grindley.
“I loved the concert, I thought the kids did really well,” Grindley said. “The director does a great job with the kids and he’s so invested in the program.”
Director Daniel Anderson said it was a bit challenging to get the 120 musicians on the same page, but he thought they pulled together nicely for the performance.
“The kids arrived about an hour before the concert and we just ran through each song a few times,” Anderson said. “We also had two evening practices to put everything together and I think that helped. They did a good job.”
Staff Writer Karina Lopez can be reached at 760-337-3439 or klopez@ivpressonline.com
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