The Music Department of Robinson Secondary School recently presented the first of its Winter Concerts. The Concert and Symphonic Bands and the Percussion Ensemble were featured on these two evenings.

High School Band Director James Tucker and Concert Band III-Blue began the program on Nov. 30. They performed works by David Gorham, Percy Grainger and John Cacavas. Grainger’s beautiful arrangement of English folk tunes put the audience in a true holiday mood.

Two groups of percussionists next performed. The Concert Band III Percussionists were led by Jackie Geldert and James Tucker. Drums and cymbals, of course, were played in a fascinating medley of songs, but also xylophones, tambourines, sand blocks, bells and triangles, accented by hand claps.

Concert Band IV was conducted by Denton Stokes, who was appointed the Music Department Chair and Director of Bands at Robinson in 1998. Although he retired a few years earlier, he returned to teach part time in 2011-12. The more experienced students in this band played a variety of pieces.

Concertgoers were invited to return to Robinson for an entirely different program offered Thursday by the High School Concert Band III-Gold and the Symphonic Band.

The price for Robinson’s Winter Concerts is right--free--and the entertainment value is high.

The following musical events are scheduled this month by the Robinson Band:

Middle School Orchestra, Tuesday, Dec. 13 from 7 p.m. until 9 p.m.

High School Orchestra, Thursday, Dec. 15 from 7 p.m. until 9 p.m.