Over 200 band students took the stage at the Byrnes Performing Arts Center in Arlington on February 9, when Arlington High School bands were joined by Haller and Post middle schools' 8th grade bands for the annual combined winter band concert.

AHS band director John Grabowski opened the concert with the 51-member AHS freshman Concert Band's performance of "Festival Prelude," followed by an exciting rendition of "Krakatoa (Mountain of Fire)" by William Owens.

Joe Horsak directed Haller Middle School's 42-member 8th grade band in the presentation of two songs, followed by performances by the 45 students of Post Middle School's 8th grade band, directed by Kipp Otterness. Grabowski then conducted the two 8th grade bands (his future freshman band) in "Summit March."

The combined group of 87 eighth-graders may form the largest freshman band to date for Arlington High School.

The AHS Symphonic Band, made up of 59 members in grades 10-12, played movements I and II of "Hebrides Suite" by Clare Grundman and "Intrada: Adoration and Praise" by Claude T. Smith.

The evening concluded with the AHS Wind Ensemble, featuring 46 students in grades 10 to 12. Membership in the Wind Ensemble is by audition only.

The combined high school/middle school program serves as a preview of the high school level music program for 8th grade band students and parents. Eighth graders are introduced to working with Mr. Grabowski early, and are inspired to see the progress demonstrated by each progressive level of the high school bands. The concert is also rewarding for directors Horsak and Otterness, allowing them to reconnect with their former band students and witness the progress they have made through high school.