Marine Corps Air Station Iwakuni, Japan -- Students from Matthew C. Perry Schools hosted their annual winter concert inside the Marine Memorial Chapel aboard Marine Corps Air Station Iwakuni, Japan, Dec. 10, 2013.
The event, which showcased the band, choir, and solo groups throughout the schools, attracted a large number of base personnel to the chapel.
“Everyone loves to come to holiday events, especially with their families,” said Allen Strawbridge, the music director for Matthew C. Perry High School.
As the 300 plus, audience entered the chapel, both the elementary and high school bands and choirs prepared to show their Christmas spirit to the spectators.
“Up to this night, I’m not in the holiday mood,” said Julie Cone, the librarian for M.C. Perry High School. “But, once I come to the concert each year, I leave with joy and Christmas spirit.”
The event also brought approximately 50 students and teachers from Iwakuni Municipal Hirata Junior High School, Otake Municipal Ogata Junior High School, and Suoh-Ooshima Municipal Agenosho Junior High School aboard station to spectate.
“We enjoy having local schools come see our concerts, especially when they are able to perform with us,” said Strawbridge.
Throughout the night, many of the students preformed solo acts showcasing their skills to the audience.
“I love these kinds of events,” said Maria Calderon, 14, a member of the high school symphonic band. “Having my family come and see me perform is amazing.”
Some, like Jay Cone-Murakami, 17, and Dana Alfafara, 17, performed a piano melody and harmony while others, like Kimi Ferral, 13, performed a solo a cappella for the audience to enjoy.
Both elementary and high school choirs took part in several performances, each demonstrating all the hard work they put in practicing for the concert.
As the concert carried on, it was clear to the spectators the most vital part of the event was for the students to have fun while they performed.
“Before they (the elementary choir) went out, I told them to have fun during the performance,” said Chris Kimmey, the elementary music teacher at M.C. Perry Elementary School. “You could really tell that they enjoyed being out there tonight, and it’s a great experience for the children to have.”
As the concert came to a close, Strawbridge thanked the students for their participation and the audience for their support of the music program and expressed his wishes to see more attendees at future concerts.
The M.C. Perry Schools’ bands and choirs are scheduled to perform alongside of local Japanese schools during the U.S.-Japan Friendship Concert held at Sinfonia Iwakuni, Feb. 15, 2014. This concert will be the fourth time in which the local Japanese schools and Americans come together to perform.