The Millbrook Orchestra performed their annual winter concert on Tuesday, December 10. The concert included a featured solo of Après un rêve performed by senior Xavier Brown, as well the renditions of Ascendit Deus, Silent Night (Stille Nacht), and Fantasia On A Theme From Thailand, all conducted by Millbrook’s orchestra teacher, Chris Hathcock. The orchestra’s ensemble included Sigmund Schwenke as principal violin, Muggs Caron as principal viola, Brandon Leacock as principal cello, and Max Binker as principal bass –each principal player leading their respective section.
The concert opened with Après un rêve, a featured solo performed by senior Xavier Brown. Brown has been in the orchestra for three years. Although this year he hasn’t taken the class, he was invited to perform alongside the orchestra. Brown’s solo captivated the emotion and raw essence of the violin. Après un rêve is a free yet controlled piece that truly moved the crowd, opening the concert with great emotion.
Ascendit Deus provided a classical element, creating a bridge from emotional to classic. The piece was cohesive, allowing the violin, the viola, cello, and bass to collaborate in a sharp, definitive tone. The ensemble then transitioned onto Silent Night (Stille Nacht). Introducing a holiday element to the winter theme, Silent Night (Stille Nacht) is your classic christmas piece. This piece was extraordinary, adding different tones and sharp ends to keep the audience engaged, yet still keeping that holiday spirit intact.
Fantasia On A Theme From Thailand was a definite crowd pleaser. Switching from your classic holiday piece to a more ambiguous theme. The piece captivated you from the beginning. The composition originally involved the pong lang, a xylophone from Thailand, however the orchestra was truly innovative and captured the essence of the instrument by plucking the strings on their instruments and even slapping their instruments. By doing so, it added depth and it made the audience crave more. The orchestra would stop, get quiet, and then all of a sudden they would start again, adding suspense.
With Fantasia On A Theme From Thailand being a crowd favorite, it was also a favorite for senior Max Binker. Binker has been playing the double bass since their sophomore year, now principal player, they help lead the other bass members. Although some still prefer the classics, Brown’s favorite piece was Silent Night (Stille Nacht).
As Mr. Hathcock transitioned from piece to piece, he engaged with the audience. He encouraged parents to take pictures of their children, adding how some “students haven’t played an orchestra instrument before, they learned every other day for 90 minutes…I think it’s pretty amazing how they were able to pull it off!”
Binker also adds, “Since the beginning of the school year we have taught the people who didn’t know how to use an instrument, how to hold it and how to make sounds, and then after that we have been slowly working towards [the concert].”
Xavier Brown applauded the newest members of the orchestra, acknowledging their hard work. Brown further adds, “You really have to work in a way that accommodates everyone, you can’t just let somebody go ahead or leave someone alone…[learning an instrument] is a lot harder than people think, especially for a string instrument.”
Audience member Max Potter comments, “It was fantastic! It was very cool to see everybody work together especially when some people have never been in an orchestra before!”
The concert was engaging, highlighting the beauty of classical instruments while also demonstrating the innovation behind music. For some members, this was the first time they’ve picked up an instrument. For others, this was their moment to teach others. To see our talented orchestra members perform, be sure to attend their spring concert on May 20, 2025.
