The biennial yet always classic Nutcracker Concert was a grand performance that brought the music of Tchaikovsky and Duke Ellington to families in the MTHS community. The MTHS bands held the Nutcracker Concert on Thursday, Dec. 17 and Friday, Dec. 18 in the theatre to celebrate the winter holidays.

Preparation for the show began with Chamber Winds, Symphonic Band and Jazz Ensemble 1 joining together to practice their scales and breathing. Mr. Faul led them as they harmonized with their voices adjusting their tone, rhythm and pitch.

When it was time for the performance to begin, Symphonic Band seated themselves on the theater stage lined with poinsettias, lights and nutcracker figures. They opened with three chorals and three carols.

The players faced slight confusion and difficulty while the bands transitioned between songs. Even so, they laughed it off.

Manager of Arts for the Edmonds School District Scott Barnes participated in this year’s Nutcracker Concert. Although he didn’t practice beforehand, Barnes played french horn alongside Mincheol Jung, and continued with Chamber Winds for the rest of the night.

“It was great to be able to hear the difference between jazz nutcracker and classical nutcracker,” Barnes said, praising the bands. “The music program here is incredible. It gets better and better throughout the year.”

Barnes noted the strength of jazz solos, particularly in trombones, doubling, and flutes. He also emphasized the importance of teamwork and cooperation in music.

“Music brings people together because you need to be able to be collaborative,” Barnes said, “Every single part is important.”

Junior Jazz 1 member Andrew Sumabat felt the Nutcracker Concert went smoothly but the band could adjust their skills for the concert the following day. Sumabat enjoys playing at band concerts for the sense of teamwork that brings the band closer together.

“[Performing at concerts] unifies us in a way that is not only musically [but also] on a moral scale,” Sumabat said.

Sumabat explained the purpose of the Nutcracker Concert, which highlighted the differences between classical music and jazz music.

“The Nutcracker Concert is a great way to share the music of Tchaikovsky and Ellington,” Sumabat said. “There’s a serious feel in the classical version and a smooth feel in the jazz version.”