Troy High Bands A Hit In New York City

TROY, MI — Troy High School’s Concert, Jazz, and Symphonic Bands were a smash hit in a recent New York City performance. The groups delivered a full-length feature concert at the Lincoln Center’s Alice Tully Hall after being invited to play as part of the Distinguished Concerts International New York series.

“The excellent Bands at Troy High School received this invitation because of the quality and high level of musicianship demonstrated by the players and the high quality of their audition recording,” Dr. Jonathan Griffith, artistic director and principal conductor for Distinguished Concerts International New York, told the Oakland Press.

“It is quite an honor just to be invited to perform in New York City. These wonderful musicians not only represent a high quality of music and education, but they also become ambassadors for their entire community. This is an event of extreme pride for everybody and deserving of the community’s recognition and support,” Griffith told the newspaper.

The Jazz Ensemble kicked the concert off with selections including, “New York State of Mind” and a special arrangement of, “Boy from New York City.” Vocalists Lindsay Nichols and Kulin Oak paired on Gershwin’s, “Let’s Call The Whole Thing Off.”

The Troy High Saxophone Ensemble performed a world-premiere original piece composed by Troy High senior Tyler Bouque called “On The Blue Line,” the Oakland Press reported. The Concert Band did a rendition of “Amazing Grace,” which featured professional local bagpipe player, Albert Gonzales.

The Troy High Symphonic Band concluded the evening with a song written especially for them by composer Rick DeJonge entitled, “The Spirit of Troy,” and the finale, “Danzón No. 2” by Márquez, which featured dancers from the Eisenhower Dance Ensemble in Rochester.

For more information, visit www.troycoltbands.org. The live feed of the concert is available for viewing at www.facebook.com/DistinguishedConcertsInternationalNewYork.

Photo courtesy Troy Colt Bands