Lakeview High School bands brought warmth and energy to the heart of winter at their Midwinter Concert on Thursday, February 26, in Raidel auditorium. The evening showcased a variety of the Lakeview band program, featuring incredible performances by the 8th Grade Band, Lakeview Blues, Concert Band, and Symphonic Band, directed by Nathan Sensabaugh and Tyler Husosky.
The Midwinter Concert is designed as a community celebration of music during one of the coldest stretches of the year. Families, friends, and residents were invited to fill the auditorium and support the student musicians as they performed an evening full of advanced concert and jazz selections. With groups spanning from middle school through high school, the program highlights how students grow as performers from their first large ensemble experiences to advanced high school musicians.
The 8th Grade Band opened the concert, giving younger students a chance to experience an advanced evening performance alongside the older ensembles. Their portion of the program started with “Urban Invasion” which focused on balance and overall skill. For many of these musicians, the Midwinter Concert is a very important stepping stone before they have the chance to move into high school ensembles like concert or symphonic band and marching band in the fall!
Senior French horn and trumpet player Tru Campbell states, “The concert was wonderful to watch and be a part of. It’s always so fun to play with the jazz band and our songs this year are some of my favorites. I thought the 8th graders did great and I’m excited for those who are going to stick with band going into high school!”
Lakeview Blues added a very special vibe to the night, bringing jazz and contemporary styles to the stage. This ensemble gives students the chance to explore swing, rock, blues, and skills that are not always the focus of concert music. Their set was a crowd favorite, featuring songs like “Cage Free Trombones” offering toe‑tapping rhythms and solos showcasing students hard work and confidence.
Lakeview’s Concert Band represents many of the school’s developing high school musicians, continuing the work that began in middle school while introducing more demanding music. Through this ensemble, 3rd period students strengthen their reading ensemble awareness as they prepare to tackle more intricate works. The Symphonic Band, the program’s premier ensemble, closed Thursday evening with their advanced concert literature that highlighted the bands full power, musical maturity and skill of Lakeview’s top players through songs like “Caccia and Chorale”.
Senior Baritone and Tenor Saxophone player Izabella Ash explains, “This concert is always the most nerve-wracking one because it’s so close to districts. It really gives us an idea on how ready we are to compete. We also get a lot of feedback from the community and family that go to the concert, and Mr. Sensabaugh often takes into account their opinions to also help us prepare the extra wow-factor of our pieces.”
Both Concert and symphonic bands will be heading to districts at Firestone High School on March 6th, marking a very exciting milestone for all members. After months of perfecting songs and extra practice, the groups have earned the opportunity to showcase their hard work in front of judges.
Beyond just the notes on the page, the Midwinter Concert serves as a mid-year milestone for the Lakeview Band. It allows directors, students, and families to see the progress made since the holiday season and to look ahead toward spring concerts and graduation. For seniors in the band, this performance is one of their final chances to play for the Cortland community, making the evening both celebratory and sentimental to all.
