Three separate band concerts were held this week in the Armstrong High School Auditorium.
The first concert was students from Armstrong Junior High. The concert was directed by Denise Gamble, who has been a teacher in the Armstrong School District for more than 30 years. This was the last Christmas concert she will direct since she plans to retire at the end of this school year.
The Junior High Band played popular selections including: Sleigh Ride, Christmas Pastorale, White Christmas, and A Crazy Mixed-Up Christmas Concert.
The Junior High concert was immediately followed by the Armstrong Senior High students.
The Senior High concert was directed by Jason Venesky.
The Senior High Band played a variety of tunes that included: Midnight Sleighride (adapted from Troika), Somewhere in My Memory, Greensleeves, Good King Wenceslas, Hanukkah Holiday, and Christmas Fanfares.
Venesky returned on Thursday night to conduct the Armstrong Community Band. The group is made up of talented musicians from Armstrong County. Participants in the band range in age from teenagers to over 70 years of age.
All three concerts were played on a stage lit with intense red and blue background lights.
Band Director Denise Gamble introduces the Armstrong Junior High Band for the last Christmas concert she will conduct. Gamble will retire at the end of this school year.
The Armstrong Senior High Band stands at the conclusion of their concert of Wednesday night to a standing ovation.
Band Director Jason Venesky directs the Kittanning Community Band on Thursday night. The concert was held at Armstrong High School.