Bellaire Band Finishes First Winter Concert

Sophomore Geoffrey Zimmerman waits in front of the band hall.

The Bellaire bands performed their winter concert in December. The performance began with the Beginner Band playing songs such as “Frosty the Snowman” and “Jingle Bell Rock.” The Beginner Band included four new band members, one existing member who recently switched instruments and a few members of the Mighty Cardinal Band to balance them out. Then, the Jazz Band performed and was followed by the Mighty Cardinal Band, playing songs such as “Festive Sounds of Hanukah” and “Sleigh Ride.”

Senior Jinje Ling plays a song by Lee Anderson on his Clarinet. 

The Mighty Cardinal Band is slowly transitioning to their concert season, after months of marching, earning scores of 1, 2 and 1 at UIL (with the highest score being 1). Led by new band director Mr. Bill Waltemath, the band has truly grown and is progressing down a promising track for years to come.

Sophomore Ilana Inselbuch, who is also a member of the Jazz Band, spoke about the band and their concert.

“I love band because it is a place where I can feel comfortable and be with people who have the same interest in music as I do,” Inselbuch said. “I loved playing in Jazz Band this concert because it was so unexpected since they only had a couple of rehearsals and it was really funky.”

Sophomore Luis Cervantes warms up on the euphonium.

The concert concluded after each band performed and Mr. Waltemath gave a heartwarming speech which made him, and everyone in the audience, tear up. The newly appointed director gave thanks to a few special people who had helped him adjust to life at Bellaire, including assistant director, Mr. Grant Beiner. He followed up by especially thanking his students for welcoming him graciously to Bellaire.

Overall, the concert was a huge success and everyone, from audience to band, had a fantastic time. Under Mr. Waltemath’s direction, the Bellaire band is headed for several more years of good music and accomplishments.