On Dec. 14, 2025, the James A. Garfield High School Concert Band brought holiday energy — and a little movie magic — to the Iva Walker Auditorium during its annual “Sounds of the Season” concert. Band director Theo Cebulla thanked staff and administrators for preparing the building and recognized the behind-the-scenes help that keeps performances running smoothly, including choir director Joel Logan, who managed sound for the event.
The program opened with “Elf (Main Title)” (John Debney, arr. Paul Kamuf), a fast-paced, bright kickoff that leaned into the film’s playful spirit. From there, the band shifted into “A Winter’s Journey” by Randall Standridge, trading the comedic sparkle of the opener for a more reflective winter tone built on sustained lines and layered ensemble color.
Cebulla also took time to recognize students balancing multiple commitments — including those coming out of a busy fall season — and credited band members for quickly switching gears from marching season to concert season, especially students adjusting to different instruments and parts.
The concert’s featured work, “A Muppet Christmas Carol” (arr. Tom Cebulla), was performed as a suite weaving together familiar moments from the film: “Overture/Intro,” “Scrooge,” “Marley and Marley,” “When Love Is Gone,” and “It Feels Like Christmas.” Cebulla told the audience the movie is a family favorite and shared that he created the arrangement years ago because the version he wanted wasn’t available, then dedicated the performance to his son, Mason, who helped again during the concert. Afterward, he noted the suite’s frequent key changes and praised the group for taking on a challenging piece and delivering it with confidence.
The band closed with Leroy Anderson’s “Sleigh Ride” (arr. Larry Ployhar), finishing the concert with the crisp rhythms and familiar holiday momentum that have made the tune a perennial favorite. After the finale, families were invited to the Commons for a reception with hot chocolate and cookies, while the Black and Gold Swing Machine continued the seasonal soundtrack.
High School Concert Band members included: Flute/Piccolo — Starla Clark, Ava Dobay, Kailey Eller, Connor Palmer, Madelyn Smerkart; Clarinet — Jessica Davis, Daphne Kline, Claire Parizeau, Emily Penney, Eva VonBergen, Zoey Zimmerman; Bass Clarinet — Remy Ewell; Alto Saxophone — Shelby Clark, Gabriela Harrison, Jordyn Hill, Nora Yukich; Tenor Saxophone — Wade Hoffstetter, Kylee Washington; Baritone Saxophone — Nick Fleming; Trumpet — Colin Cupples, Becca Evans, Anna Herron, Charlotte Long, Sanura Oliver, Payton Powers, Lucy Scherick, Zach Zimmerman; Horn — Olivia Beal, Laney Messersmith, Dee Miller; Trombone — Aaron Evans, Paisley Hundzsa, Kiera Gonzales, Addison Lipply, Sophia Wilke, Bella Wright; Euphonium — Olivia Grecar, Taylor Haney, Lindsey Rabatin; Tuba — Lillie Fynes, Levi Kaiser, Olivia Wareham; Percussion — Olivia Bailey, Elise Edwards, Ryan Gabbard, Chloe Heasley, Leah Hill, Reese Hill, Elizabeth Proya, Madi Seiler, Joey Tarnowski, Timmy Tarnowski. The printed program also noted principal chairs and students who perform with the school’s Swing Machine jazz ensemble.