Band concert set next week

By Donnie A. Lucas

Local residents are invited to come catch the Christmas spirit at the annual Albany Bands Christmas Concert set for Thursday, Dec. 9 in the high school auditorium.

The concert is again being divided into three parts so students and parents don’t have to stay for all the bands unless they want to.

The Sixth Grade Band performs first at 6:30 p.m., playing two selections – Jingle Bells and Jolly Old St. Nick.

The Seventh Grade Band will play two songs starting at 7:15 p.m., including March of the Toy Soldier and Carole of the Bells.

Finally, the Albany High School Concert Band, which includes students in grades 8-12, take the stage at 8:00 p.m. The high school list of music includes March for Christmas, Oh Little Town of Bethlehem, and Crazy, Mixed-Up Christmas Concert.

The high school band is also reprising last year’s “Ugly Christmas Sweater” attire, according to director Will Vaughan.

“High school band members should wear the ugliest Christmas sweaters they can find for the performance,” Vaughan said.”This will be our second annual Ugly Christmas Sweater Concert.”

Vaughan added that the staggered starting times that were implemented for COVID-19 precautions worked well, so he decided to continue the practice.

“There isn’t as much congestion in the auditorium or backstage when the groups are divided,” he said. “And the parents seemed to like it that way too.”