All treats and no tips at annual Halloween Live performance

It could be one factor to jam out to your favourite tunes on late nights in your room, however it’s actually one other if you’re immersed by sound, rhythm, mild — and just a little Halloween spirit. Dinkelspiel Auditorium was reworked on Friday night from a regular auditorium (and occasional classroom) to an adorably spooky live performance corridor for the Stanford Wind Symphony’s annual Halloween Live performance, that includes the Stanford Jazz Orchestra. 

There was a hum of pleasure within the room even earlier than the live performance had begun. Youngsters dressed up as unicorns or Minecraft Steves fidgeted of their seats as their guardians hushed them. College students eagerly waved their mates over to sit down with them, and different attendees flipped by this system on the lookout for acquainted faces and studying by the repertoire. Quickly, the lights dimmed, signaling the beginning of the live performance.

Scholar musicians created a pleasant concoction of items from numerous genres, combining critical technical items with acquainted tunes that audiences of all ages might get pleasure from. Stanford Jazz Orchestra opened with picks from “The Incredibles,” transitioning seamlessly between “The Pink Panther” and “I’ll Be Seeing You” and ending off with a solo-laden James Bond medley and Lizzo’s “Cuz I Love You.”

The stage lighting shade and brightness modified between items to match the vitality of every track. This impact actually emphasised the adjustments in dynamic, including to the magic of all of it.

The jazz musicians themselves have been additionally extremely engaged all through their performances, tapping their toes alongside to the beat and leaning in as they performed. They supported soloists with silent but seen focus whereas ready for his or her cue to affix again in as a bunch. This small orchestra’s camaraderie interprets right into a cohesive, tight-knit group that members recognize. 

“You get to do one thing as a complete and also you’re all unified in the direction of a singular objective,” mentioned Ethan Htun ’27, who’s a tenor saxophonist and “The Pink Panther” medley soloist.

This collective effort was additionally evident within the ensembles’ non-musical preparation. Ensemble members labored collectively to create Halloween costumes, in keeping with alto saxophonist Grant Moore ’25.

The Jazz Orchestra’s numerous solos captured the curiosity of scholars in attendance.

“One particular person would begin with a small beat behind after which the beat would construct and it will change because the solo grew in depth,” mentioned viewers member Jackson Whitt ’26.

Whether or not performing a solo or taking part in as a collective, every member held their very own. Even  accompaniments introduced a pizzazz of their very own in accentuating the soloist’s efficiency. If the quite a few shifting elements posed an issue for these seasoned musicians, it actually didn’t present. 

“There have been in all probability lots of of mess-ups that the viewers actually wouldn’t have identified about,” Moore mentioned. “I believe it’s as a result of we actually have that spirit of ‘in the event you mess up it’s not your fault, no one’s good and simply transfer on.’”

The wind symphony’s “Depraved” medley seamlessly linked energies between items just like the boundless “Defying Gravity” and angsty “No Good Deed.” Visitor conductor Rachael Vega, Affiliate Director of Bands for the Leland Stanford Junior Marching Band, offered her professional steering whereas decked out on theme in a witch costume. 

To not be outdone, Stanford Wind Symphony director Giancarlo Aquilanti carried out the 4 actions of Second Suite for Band (Latino-Mexicano): Son Montuno, Tango (“Sargasso Serenade”), Guaracha and Paso Doble (“A La Corrida!”). Aquilanti and his college students labored in tandem, responding to at least one one other. 

Using percussion — particularly the clave — within the wind symphony stood out to Whitt, who’s at present within the technique of writing a track for an all-percussion group. They discovered the items not solely “good to hearken to,” particularly due to their Latino background, but in addition informative for their very own songwriting. 

Within the “spoopy” (spooky and cute) Halloween spirit, each ensembles have been dressed up, every instrument part having their very own theme. It was an absolute delight to see members decked out in chef hats and aprons, easy cowboy gear and even loopy neon colours paired with black fits to suit “Barbenheimer.” 

The festivities culminated with the annual costume contest, which invited any prepared viewers members to showcase their costumes on stage. The pineapple flavored Hello-Chew obtained probably the most applause and cheers from the viewers, deeming them the winner.

As a reward, they got the prospect to conduct the closing piece, “The Washington Put up March.” Bathed in crimson and blue lights, the brand new conductor wielded the baton with enthusiastic actions that prompted the viewers to begin clapping alongside. By the tip of the live performance, the preliminary anticipatory vitality within the room had reached exponential heights. 

“The viewers was loving it,” Whitt mentioned. “It was nice to see everybody come collectively within the cheers for the costumes.”

Editor’s Notice: This text is a overview and contains subjective ideas, opinions and critiques.