What are the West Side concerts? Why are they important? And who are they for? At McMahon the West Side concerts happen a few weeks after the winter concert. This concert gives students from Roton and Ponus middle schools a chance to play with the high school band. Each school performed their own pieces of music, and at the end everyone played a combined piece.
Right before the concert, Mr. Sechhi had a Q&A session. This allowed any questions that middle schoolers have to be answered by someone who participated in the program. Seniors, student leaders, and some freshmen answered the questions, and it gave the 8th graders a bunch of insight about the program.
During the West Side concert, a slide show was played highlighting the marching season. Showing middle school students and their parents the fun the high school students have during the marching season.
“They sounded really good, and they brought in Tommy or Mr. Knowles which showed that you can always come back to McMahon’s band no matter how much time has passed.” Jhoanna Diaz senior at GCS.
Mr. Knowles is a McMahon graduate who is now the band director at Roton Middle School. He is the brass instructor for McMahon’s marching band, and during the West Side concert, the high school students were able to play a piece with him. It was the exact same piece he played his senior year of high school. Journey for tuba and concert band composed & arranged by Brian Sadler. This allowed the middle school students to see their own band director playing.
“West Side is important because it helps the high schoolers transition from hard working marching band years into a more relaxing concert setting. It also helps with getting 8th graders to come join our marching program whether that be as 8th graders or as incoming freshmen. Overall it’s a way to recruit and relax in the middle of the school year.” Dilan Robles senior and Drum major at McMahon.
The West Side Concert for the high schoolers is a no-pressure concert because most of the music is easier compared to the winter or spring concerts. It’s used as a way to not automatically jump straight into spring music after the winter concert.
“Playing with the 8th graders was interesting. You could tell they knew the piece, but some areas were probably a little… I’d say confusing. The piece was together, I’d say. It sounded good,” Sophia Fumega
West Side could be scary for a middle schooler to play, but overall the band sounded amazing.
“I like being able to be back together with the whole band again,” Julia Villafana
The West Side Concert was for everyone. It was a great chance to learn more about the band season and what it’s like to join. The band is like a big family and is always looking for new members to join.
