Concert Review: An Outstanding ‘Night at the Drive-In’

The Woodcrest Christian Instrumental Music Department performed one of their most outstanding concerts yet on Saturday, May 4, 2019. The “Night at the Drive-In” pops concert featured the Woodcrest Christian Beginning Band, String Ensemble, Symphonic Winds and Concert Band, the incredible jazz Royal’s Sound band, Wind Ensemble, and the exciting grand finale with all bands.

The Spring Pops Concert “A Night at the Drive-In” drew a crowd of more than 800 people.

Concertgoers arrived early to enjoy a slew of festivities including a car show, face painting, and silent auction. A collection of 12 classic cars, exotic cars, and movie-themed cars were on display. The Batmobile and Back to the Future DeLorean were definitely fan favorites. To see the Mission Impossible car, a Ferrari, a Lamborghini and many souped-up, shining classic cars was a sight to behold in the quad of the Woodcrest Christian campus! The silent auction also offered up some fun for all to participate in.

The real excitement got underway as the “Night at the Drive-In” began featuring the WCS Beginning Band performing familiar movie themes including Superman’s Escape from Krypton, Rodgers & Hammerstein’s classic Sound of Music Do-Re-Me, and the foot-tapping favorite Happy from Despicable Me 2.

The WCS String Ensemble wowed us with themes from Harry Potter and James Bond. The Symphonic Winds and Concert Band’s themes from Star Trek, Back to the Future, ET, Cars, and Mission Impossible were especially exciting. The audience roared as ET made a special appearance walking across the stage. Thanks to some special effects, it was even more exciting when ET was carried across the stage in the basket of a bicycle and was then seen flying through the air on screen behind the stage, of course with a full moon behind him.

One of the greatest highlights of the night was the rockin’ rendition of Gonna Fly Now and In the Mood performed by more than 20 students forming the jazz band, The Royal’s Sound. Jaron Sherwood’s drum solo brought down the house! The vibrant shirts and synced dance moves of The Royal Sound was a perfect way to finish off the first half of the night.

After intermission, audiences were in awe of 12-year-old seventh grader, Jonathan Ma and his flawless performance of the beautiful Phantasie-Impromptu by Fredrich Chopin. And finally, the Wind Ensemble brought a smile to everyone’s face with Singin’ in the Rain and four adorable elementary students twirling umbrellas across the stage.  Another surprise was an appearance from the Phantom of the Opera (played by Woodcrest Christian superintendent Mr. Jim Sullivan) who took over as conductor. Music from Batman, The Incredibles, and Star Wars finished off the night. The Royals Pavilion was transformed as laser beams shot across the room and free light sabers given to the audience flashed wildly during the grand finale.

Congratulations to Band Director Mr. Rasner and his team and all of the talented students who participated in this event! Mark your calendars now for the Band Christmas Concert in December and next year’s Pop Concert! You won’t want to miss them!