Are you ready for some holiday cheer?
Posted on 12/16/2020
Sapulpa High School Symphonic Band members rehearse for the 2020 Winter Holiday Concert.(SPS) -- Are you ready for some holiday cheer?

The bands of Sapulpa High School have been preparing to do that very thing.

The Jazz Band, Symphonic Band, and Wind Ensemble will perform during the Winter Holiday Concert that will be broadcast on YouTube.

Since at least 1990, this concert has been performed live in Shaw Auditorium at the high school, but with the current health climate, Band directors Whitney Yokum, Jason Reznicek, and Kevin Mozarko made the decision for a virtual concert this year. Mrs. Yokum said that while there was some disappointment expressed amongst the students about not performing live, they’ve shifted that frustration into finding the opportunities during these challenging times.

“We would of course love to have a live, in-person concert, but, we do have the possibility of reaching an even wider audience virtually,” said Mrs. Yokum.

Speaking of opportunities, the students do receive a grade for the concert, but it’s more than that. This performance allows them to show off their hard work and dedication since they started playing.

“High School band concerts are a culmination of years of student work, not just weeks or months. They begin the process of learning to play their instruments years and years before they are able to play the level of music that our High School bands play.”

Mrs. Yokum also believes the concert is a need that may just help brighten what has been a somewhat darker time for many due to the pandemic.

“Our community needs positive, impactful musical performances more than ever amidst the stress and chaos that we are all dealing with this year. The arts have a special way of uniting people and reminding us of our humanity. I hope we can bring our audience the joy of the Holiday season this year, even if it is through a screen.”

The concert will include 10 numbers performed by the three bands.

Jazz Band, directed by Kevin Mozarko:
  • Deck the Halls arranged by Tim Clarke
  • Sleigh Ride arranged by Mike Story
  • Feliz Navidad arranged by Peter Blair 
  • A Marshmallow World arranged by Mike Story
  • A Rockin' Merry Christmas by Larry Neeck

Symphonic Band, directed by Jason Reznicek:
  • Amen! by Frank Ticheli
  • Into the Light by David Shaffer

Wind Ensemble, directed by Whitney Yokum:
  • Sleigh Ride by Leroy Anderson
  • The Polar Express by Alan Silvestri and Glen Ballard, arranged by Jerry Brubaker
  • All I Want for Christmas by Mariah Carey, arranged by Larry Kerchner

“I hope the audience feels a sense of hope and joy from watching the students' performance. These students are resilient, hard-working, and dedicated to the pursuit of excellence.”

Mrs. Yokum said it’s been a challenge navigating the pandemic and ensuring that everyone is following the protocols to make their activities as safe as possible. Staying safe is another layer to this year’s Winter Holiday Concert which she said is more than just a performance. It also serves as a lesson about preparing for life well beyond the band hall.

“Concerts and concert preparation help our students develop not only as musicians but as people as well. The character development from the process of putting on a concert is huge, and that character development is why it is so important for us to put on this concert.”

You can watch the Winter Holiday Concert presented by Sapulpa High School Bands on Dec. 17 at 7 p.m. on Chieftain Television.