The Bands of Randolph concert, held at the high school on Tuesday, March 3, showcased not only Randolph High School’s Symphonic Band and Wind Ensemble but also Randolph Middle School’s eighth-grade band. Together, they performed seven pieces, as well as a finale in which more than 130 students played together as one combined band.

The night kicked off with the Symphonic Band, otherwise known as Symba, directed by Michael Lichtenfeld. Their program began with “Appalachian Morning” by Robert Sheldon, a piece meant to create vivid imagery of a misty morning in the Appalachian Mountains, with influences from Scottish and Irish traditions. In their next piece, “Alligator Alley” by Michael Daugherty, the band had a rough start but quickly regained its footing and delivered a respectable performance.

“The Bands of Randolph concert really shows how all of the students have grown since the winter concert, and it’s such a fun experience,” sophomore Grace Salerno said. “It’s always one of my favorite concerts to perform in, and all the pieces the bands play are always a joy to listen to.”

The eighth-grade band performed soon after, showcasing the incoming talent the high school will see in the 2026-27 school year. They played two pieces, starting with “Pinnacle” by Rob Grice, a high-energy piece designed to represent reaching a peak or a moment of great achievement, which they accomplished in their performance.

They ended their segment with “Terracotta Warriors” by Scott Watson. The piece takes the audience on a journey through time and discovery, inspired by the Terracotta Army, the clay soldiers that guard an emperor’s tomb. Their confident delivery hinted at a group already playing beyond the expectations of an eighth-grade ensemble.

“The BOR concert is an opportunity to show our eighth graders what band is like in high school and how much we can achieve at this level,” director Nick Fantazzi said.“The ensembles performed wonderfully, and the combined finale was exciting and impressive.”

The Wind Ensemble, the most advanced band in high school, took the stage next. Their selections included “Movement Frédérique,” meaning frenetic movement, by Jonathan Dagenais. The piece is characterized by a four-note motif, a short recurring musical idea built from exactly four notes, meant to be fast, dynamic, and rhythmic. They also performed “Dusk” by Steven Bryant, which illustrates the sound and feeling of early morning or evening twilight. Their final piece, “AYO” by Katahj Copely celebrates culture, community and joy through hip-hop rhythms and jazz harmonies.

The eighth grade and Symphonic bands then joined the Wind Ensemble on stage for the final piece, “The Incredibles” from the Disney-Pixar film. Ending the night on a strong note, the energetic and well-known piece offered a glimpse into high school band life for the eighth graders while allowing all the musicians to showcase their talent and excitement for the years ahead.