Things will get spooky at Valencia College’s East Campus as the symphonic and jazz bands prepare to host the 13th annual Halloween concert.
The tradition allows for Valencia’s symphonic and jazz band to showcase their musical talents—while also embracing the Halloween spirit with members and concert-goers alike invited to be in full costume.
Valencia’s Director of Bands, Strings and Music Professor, Jon Territo, has worked closely with the band and has curated a set list with an array of songs. While discussing audience expectations Territo explained that, “It’s a pop concert, so the music isn’t super deep, heavy, highbrow and real classical in nature.”
Thus audiences can expect to hear a more modern rendition of famous songs and tunes. The concert will open with performances by Valencia’s larger symphonic band and will close with performances by its more condensed jazz band.
Second year member who plays for the symphonic band, Vic Ensler, 20, has been part of the tradition for the past two years. The graphic design major said, “I’m really excited about the Halloween concert. I was in it two semesters ago and it was really fun.”
Band member Jermaine Beureuse, 18, is also looking forward to the concert as well. The music performance major stated, “I’m very excited because it’s my first college concert playing with a big ensemble, so I’m really excited for it.”
Such energy has radiated throughout rehearsals on East Campus in Room 3-126 every Tuesday and Thursday in preparation for the event. With such enthusiasm, audiences are sure to enjoy and appreciate fine music and talent.
Beureuse anticipates that the performance will peak the interest of audiences, as he hopes they will begin to think to themselves, “ ‘These guys sound good, we should come out [and] support them more.” A thought which may come to fruition as this will not be your typical concert, as audiences should expect members of the band to be in full costume. This, paired with the musical choice will make the experience immersive and memorable.
Audience members who attended last year’s performance don’t have to worry about listening to repeats as Ensler said, “Since last year, we’re playing all new pieces, a whole new set and people change, but it’s still going to be really cool.”
The outdoor setting of the concert is perfect for the experience and is sure to draw a crowd—whether staying for the duration or for those just temporarily stopping by to catch a glimpse of the action.
Th concert will take place outside of Building 4 and 5 on Thursday, Oct. 31st at 11:30am. “We are going to have some fun and we’re going to play really good music,” Territo said.
