12/20/07
MHS Christmas concert showcases bands’ talent
By Chris Bullard

CHRIS BULLARD/Manning Times

Manning High Band Director Ray Francis leads the Monarch’s band through a rousing Christmas medley at their concert Dec. 13.

Family, friends and faculty gathered in the Manning High School cafeteria for an evening of holiday music by three bands from Manning Junior High and Manning High School on Dec. 13.

The performance began with an opening set from the music appreciation class conducted by MHS band director, Ray Francis. The set consisted of “Jingle Bells,” “Up on a House Top,” “Hanukkah Song,” and “Holly Jolly Christmas.”

Next up was the MJHS band with a seven-piece set conducted by Troy Cato. There were five Christmas hymns, and two were secular songs “O Christmas Tree” and “Frosty the Snowman.”

Finishing out the night was the MHS band again conducted by Francis.

After six weeks of in-class practice and a couple of after school practices, Francis led the students through a seven-piece set ranging in various levels of difficulty.

“White Christmas” and “The Christmas Song” spread the holiday cheer with their upbeat tempos, but the third song, “Rudolph the Red Nose Reindeer” stirred the holiday spirit as Santa’s Reindeer paid a visit.

Students dressed in reindeer outfits performed a wonderful dance routine during the song that kept the crowd laughing, cheering and applauding.

Next was a flowing song medley that included “We Wish You a Merry Christmas,” “Joy to the World” and “What Child is This?” just to name a few.

Following the medley was an outstanding performance of a widely known holiday piece by Tchaikovsky, “The Nutcracker Suite.”

“This is a grade four piece of music,” said Francis. “This is college level stuff.”

The night of Christmas music began to wrap up with a song written by Francis called “Christmas on Parade.”

The high school’s band director wished everyone a Merry Christmas and the band ended with “We Wish You a Merry Christmas” as the audience applauded and made their way to the door.

This is Francis’ second year at MHS and things are going great.

“Manning has been wonderful to my family,” said Francis. “I really enjoy the people here.”

Others have noticed the difference as things continue to improve.

“Students are more enthusiastic. Their grades in music have improved, their scores in competitions have improved, and their talent has improved greatly since starting last year,” said Becky Wilkinson, assistant band director.

The MHS band recently took part in a parade competition and won every part that was judged. They also recently played in Williams Brice Stadium at a rally for presidential hopeful Barack Obama that included special guest, Oprah Winfrey.

The band is preparing for a St. Patrick’s Day parade in Savannah and is hoping to take part in a night parade in Gatlinburg, Tenn. next school year.

“They did a great job,” said MHS Principal Michael Shorter. “I expect them to play a lot more places.”

Band concerts and performances are free and open for the community to attend.