by Maya Abou-Rizk

In the auditorium, the Wind Ensemble, Symphonic Band, and small chamber ensembles will be performing at this school for Winterfest I Wednesday, Jan. 29 at 7 p.m., followed the next night by the Concert Choir, Family Singers, Orchestra, and String Ensemble for Winterfest II Thursday, Jan. 30 at 7:30 p.m.

In Winterfest I, each ensemble will perform an individual set. A commissioned flute piece has also been added, which will add to the already distinct show of small chamber ensembles.

At Winterfest II, also known as the “Ray Smith Memorial Concert” in honor of a former music teacher at this school who founded the Family Singers, the groups will perform a 30-minute piece: Vivaldi Gloria.

Fine and performing arts department head Todd Young, the Concert Choir director, said the concert brings many important opportunities for his students.

“What’s fun for us at this point in the year is that we combine most rehearsals, so it’s an opportunity for younger students to work with older students,” said Young.

Young is also happy that his 35-member choir will be able to have the opportunity to sing in a 75-member choir, when Family Singers and Concert Choir combine to sing the Vivaldi Gloria.

“It provides them an opportunity to sing something reasonably monumental,” he said.

Sophomore Ethan Smith, a member of family singers,  said that Winterfest helps him “appreciate longer pieces of music.”