The musicians have returned.

Music Director Robert Eisenhart and the VNHS Performing Arts Community hosted the Symphonic Concert on Friday, May 11 in the Donna Hubbard Auditorium.

The Symphonic Concert was a combination of three concerts: a large ensemble symphonic concert, a chamber music concert and a jazz concert.

These concerts were initially supposed to be performed individually throughout the second semester, but Mr. Eisenhart had to take a long-term absence due to a sickness. Under the supervision of Assistant Music Director Andy Duncan, the talented students still managed to perform multiple songs for the Symphonic Concert.

Featuring a diverse array of music, the show included a multitude of musical groups: Beginning Band, Sinfonietta, Trumpet Quartet, Clarinet Ensemble, Saxophone Ensemble, String Orchestra and Rhythm Lab. Mr. Duncan conducted the Concert Band, who performed “March” and “Fantasia on the ‘Dargason,’” and Beginning Strings, who played “Dance of Fire” and “Sahara Crossing.”

Directed and conducted by Ms. Valerie Ravitch, the Van Nuys Middle School Senior Band also made a special appearance and performed “Heartland,” “Pinnacle of Distinction” and “Cyclone.”

“We added the beginning bands as well as middle school band which never appear in our concerts because we are trying to add more diversity and give more kids the stage performer experience,” said Noah Albert, a senior percussionist.

The concert also included short pieces that were directed by the students themselves, including “Afta Stuba,” which featured a classical trio performance by students Jonathan Hakimian, Andrew Singh and Albert himself on the xylophone.

The massive lineup of groups and performances included trumpets, trombones, flutes, clarinets, saxophones, violins, violas, cellos, tubas, baritones, french horns, guitar and percussion.

The VNHS music department will return for the Court Show, which will feature the Drumline, Drill Team and Percussion Ensemble in the big gym on May 24, 2018.