Spring concerts showcase costumes, choreography in the year’s last shows

Choir’s spring pops concert featured Disney songs as well as costumes, acting and dancing. Top: From left, sophomore Taylor Lane, sophomore Richard Luu and junior Ethan Schaefer. Left: Senior Daniel LaBarbera. Right: Junior Tenzin Phuntsok. Photos courtesy of Keri Staley.
Choir’s spring pops concert featured Disney songs as well as costumes, acting and dancing. Top: From left, sophomore Taylor Lane, sophomore Richard Luu and junior Ethan Schaefer. Left: Senior Daniel LaBarbera. Right: Junior Tenzin Phuntsok. Photos courtesy of Keri Staley.

Pots, pans and Disney characters: what do they have in common? All three were included in the spring shows for band and chorus, lending the concerts a more playful air.

The first performance was the spring concert for band, which included the theme from The Incredibles and took place on May 22. It was the band’s last performance this year and was a more relaxed affair than previous band concerts.

“Compared to the other concerts, this is one that felt more casual … we watched as a percussionist literally banged on pots and pans; you know it’s the end of the year and we’re having fun,” senior Michael Wang said.

There were some other unconventional aspects to the concert.  According to Wang, on top of the use of kitchen utensils, the jazz band also played “Skyfall,” the theme from the 2012 James Bond movie of the same name, as Jessica campbell sang.

Choir had performances on May 29, 30 and 31.

The show was comprised of Disney tunes and featured dancing, acting and costumes.  According to freshman David Rojas, it was an artistic shift for the chorus: “In past concerts there was no movement and we had to wear uniforms. In this one we are dancing around and having more fun all around.”

The May 31 show was a matinee geared toward kids.  It featured a shorter setlist and a meet-the-ast session afterward.  To entertain younger children, the choir provided areas for coloring, balloons and a raffle of Disney products.

“I loved seeing the faces of the girls and boys who were so inspired by the performance,” senior Jessica Campbell said.

Senior Annie Bryan also enjoyed the meet-and-greet, at which she played Sharpay from High School Musical. “I liked meeting the little kids and seeing how excited they were to be at a Disney show,” Bryan said.

The final concert for orchestra was June 12. It was the seniors’ final high school performance, and the orchestra director gave seniors an opportunity to audition for a solo.

“All of the other students have been rehearsing in class and practicing at home—we have periodic playing tests in class so that I can monitor students’ individual progress,” orchestra director Catherine Bond said while preparing for the concert.

Bond is also looking forward to next year.

“I am also very proud of the growth of the program—next year we will have over 120 members and a fourth orchestra class,” Bond said.