At the Fitchbyrds fall concert, the Class Guitar Quintet and the Fytchbyrds played music they had been working on for the whole fall semester, held at the Kent Recital Hall in Conlon. The concert consisted of 4 songs performed by the Class Guitar Quintet and 6 songs performed by the Fitchbyrds. The concert was in total 1 hour and 15 minutes long and all of it was filled with brilliant performances from both groups.

The first performance by the Class Guitar Quintet was beautifully executed. The first song played was Ode to Joy by Ludwig van Beethoven. This song was strictly guitar and had a couple of solos from some of the members. The next song played was Love Me Tender by Elvis Presley. This song had the members sing as it helped them remember their cords stated by their conductor Paul Luria. After this song was played the crowd was allowed to join in on the singing of the next song played, Tequila by The Champs. The last song of the night by the Gitaur Class Quintet was Good King Wenceslas by John Mason Neale and Thomas Helmore.

After the Class Guitar Quintet was done performing the Fitchbyrds were next. This group directed by Assistant Professor Amy McGlothlin consisted of students and faculty members here at Fitchburg State. This group consisted of Joseph Ditavi, Joshua Leaffer, Christian Surette, Emjay Hanson, Jack Dancause, Tommy Adler-Mandile, Ronan Cords, Owen Thayer, and Christopher Shaddock, with faculty members Joseph Wachtel, Rala Diakite, Paul Luria and Paula Luria.

The first song on the docket for the Fitchbyrds was Afro Blue by Robert Glasper. This was a more jazz-based song than some of the other ones at the show but was one of their best songs performed on the night. After this song, they performed A Night in the Graden of Eden by David Klezmer Quintet. This song had Irish Polka backgrounds and featured solos from most of the band done beautifully. After that, the group performed Butterfly by Herbie Hancock. This song brought more of the jazz back into the concert. The next song was Autumn Leaves by Joseph Kosma. After this, they brought out the most different genre song of the night Peg by Steely Dan. This song brought more of a rock vibe to the concert and was very well executed by the band. The last song of the night put the crowd in great Christmas spirits and was a perfect way to bring everyone into Christmas break. The last song was Let It Snow by lyricist Sammy Cahn and composer Jule Styne.

This was the last performance by the Fithcbyrds and the Gitaur Class Quintet for the semester. But they will be back for the spring semester sooner than ever. Their music is uplifting and joyful and I certainly can’t wait to see their next show.