The Sylvan Hills High School Band presented its annual Winter Concert on Monday, December 8, 2025, filling the Performing Arts Center with holiday music and community spirit. The event featured performances under the direction of Mark Bailey, Kris Smith, and Ashley Walla.
In preparation for the show, band members loaded equipment in on Friday, rehearsed Monday morning, and returned that evening to take the stage. Senior Lillian Green said the process is part of what makes performing meaningful. “I enjoy the different skills that I’m able to learn through the music they give us and the people I’m around,” she said.
The concert program included a variety of seasonal selections: Holiday Cheer by Paul Lavender, A Holst Christmas arranged by Douglas Wagner, Carol of the Bells arranged by Sean O’Loughlin, and a medley from The Polar Express arranged by Michael Story. Each piece highlighted the ensemble’s musicianship while showcasing the work students have put in throughout the semester.
Junior Grayson Carver said being on stage is one of his favorite parts of the performance experience. “I enjoy the environment on stage,” Carver said. “To be up there, bringing all of the instruments together is magical.”
The evening concluded with enthusiastic applause from families, friends, and community members, marking another successful winter performance for the Sylvan Hills Band program.
