Watch: Warren County High School Bands Deliver Festive Cheer at Holiday Concert

The Warren County High School Music Department, led by Director David Dingess, brought the holiday spirit to life during their annual Holiday Concert on December 19, 2024. Featuring the Jazz Band, Symphonic Band, and the newly formed Steel Band, the event highlighted the talents of the school’s young musicians. Principal Ken Knesh joined the audience in celebrating the performances made possible by strong community and school support.

Steel Band Debut

Kicking off the evening was the debut of the Steel Band, a new addition to the program funded by a grant from the Warren County Educational Endowment and support from the Front Royal Rotary Club. Students Alejandra Gonzalez, Reed Roop, Gabriel Griffith, and Braelyn Muterspaw performed “We Three Kings” and “We Wish You a Merry Christmas”, adding a tropical twist to traditional holiday favorites.

Holiday Jazz

The Jazz Band followed with an upbeat set of holiday classics, including:

• “Feliz Navidad”
• “Jazzy Merry Christmas”
• “Have Yourself a Merry Little Christmas,” featuring standout solos by Kyler Jenkins on tenor saxophone and Reed Roop on trumpet.

A unique highlight was “Pool House,” an original piece performed by students Heath Coe, Malachi Bush, and Enoch Kennon.

Symphonic Band Brings Seasonal Favorites

The Symphonic Band closed the evening with a diverse selection of music, including:

• “African Bell Carol”
• “Grandma Got Runover by a Reindeer”
• A medley from “How the Grinch Stole Christmas”
• “Hanukkah – Festival of Light,” featuring a heartfelt solo by Morgan Brown.

Adding to the excitement, Damian Schafer performed a guitar solo, showcasing the students’ individual creativity and skill.

Community Support

The students’ dedication and the community’s support made the concert’s success possible. Special recognition was given to the Band Boosters for their ongoing efforts and to the Front Royal Rotary Club for helping secure percussion equipment for the marching band.

Performers

Jazz Band Members: Lucy Bambrey, Malachi Bush, Heath Coe, Aubrey Dominick, Glenda Rivas Rafaelano, Alejandra Gonzalez, Kathleen Grant, Gabriel Griffith, Jayla Hodges, Kyler Jenkins, Enoch Kennon, Hannah McCoy, Trestyn Mauterspaw, Brandon Phillips, Margaret Plosch, Matthew Pugh, Reed Roop, Damian Schafer, and Roean Smith.

Symphonic Band Members: Morgan Brown, Linda Beahm, Tristin Fincham, Braelyn Muterspaw, Hannah Ralls, Bailey Roland, Ethan Sears, Lucy Bambrey, Malachi Bush, Heath Coe, Aubrey Dominick, Glenda Rivas Rafaelano, Alejandra Gonzalez, Kathleen Grant, Gabriel Griffith, Jayla Hodges, Kyler Jenkins, Enoch Kennon, Hannah McCoy, Trestyn Mauterspaw, Brandon Phillips, Margaret Plosch, Matthew Pugh, Reed Roop, Damian Schafer, and Roean Smith.

The evening’s performances showcased the dedication and talent of Warren County High School’s music students, leaving the audience in the holiday spirit and excited for the program’s bright future.