The Blue Jay Band and the Blue Jay Choir welcomed families and friends to campus this past Saturday for An Evening of Christmas Magic, Jesuit’s annual Christmas concert. From the moment guests entered the venue, the spirit of the season was unmistakable with festive lighting and seasonal decor set up by parent and student volunteers.

The concert showcased the talents of Jesuit’s student musicians through performances by the Blue Jay Choir, Concert Band, and Jazz Band. Adding to the immersive holiday atmosphere were the beautiful lighting and Christmas effects provided by DJ Galliano ’07.

The evening opened with the resonant voices of the Blue Jay Choir, whose performances of Lo, How a Rose E’er Blooming, Night of Silence / Silent Night, and Carol of the Bells set a reverent and reflective tone. They captured the peace, beauty, and hope of the Advent, drawing the audience into the evening.

The Concert Band followed with a dynamic and festive program. Selections such as The Most Wonderful Time of the Year, Do You Hear What I Hear, and Merry Christmas Darling brought smiles and familiarity, while Christmas Eve in Sarajevo offered a powerful and moving moment of reflection. The set concluded with God Rest Ye Merry Gentlemen, sending a joyful energy through the auditorium.

The Jazz Band brought the evening to an energetic close. From the driving rhythms of The Kings of Swing to creative twists on seasonal favorites like Silent Night and All I Want for Christmas, the group’s performance was met with response.

The dedication and countless hours of preparation by Blue Jay musicians were evident in every note. Band director Joseph Caluda ’79 also took time to recognize many parent volunteers. Their commitment behind the scenes, from logistics to encouragement, plays a vital role in the success of the program and the experiences of our students. Caluda also named the students who were accepted in to LMEA honor bands this year:

LMEA District VI Junior High Honor Band

• Rithvik Katinaneni
• Emett Bowler

LMEA District VI Senior High Honor Band

• Andy Castillo
• Andrew Frey
• Arav Kamboj
• Kale Le
• Alex Rodriguez
• Justin Trepagnier
• Eric Xiang

The band and choir are under the leadership of Caluda, Jason Giaccone, and Blue Jay Choir Co-Directors Patrick Cragin ’06 and Dr. Mark Duggan ’04.