Sanford's student musicians took the stage at Partners Bank Gymnasium on March 10 for the 37th Annual Sanford Band Fest, showcasing the talents of students from 5th grade through high school.
March is Music in Our Schools Month, and there was no better way to celebrate than with a night full of live music performed by Sanford's own talented young musicians! From 5th graders performing their first melodies to high schoolers tackling complex film scores, the evening was a wonderful reminder of the vibrant music community thriving in Sanford's schools.
The evening opened with the 5th Grade Band, directed by Mr. Jacob Morese, performing "Hot Cross Buns" and "Mary Had a Little Lamb." The 6th Grade Band, also under Mr. Morese's direction, followed with "Base-Six" by Laura Estes.
The 7th and 8th Grade Bands, led by Mr. Josh Hyssong, brought more advanced repertoire to the stage. The 7th graders performed "Above and Beyond" by James Swearingen and "Ever-Hope" by Carol Brittin Chambers, while the 8th graders took on "Invincible" by Robert W. Smith and "Celtic Air and Dance" by Michael Sweeney.
The High School Band, directed by Ms. Hailey Francoeur, closed out the individual performances with "Pirates of the Caribbean: At World's End" by Hans Zimmer and the crowd-pleasing "The Great Rubber Chicken Gallop" by Randall Standridge.
The concert concluded with a combined performance featuring all 6th through 12th grade students coming together to perform the "6 Note Folk Song Suite," arranged by Joseph Compello .
Watch the concert video below!