No small parts: Appreciating performing arts during the holidays
*WEB CONTINUATION: This article originally appeared in Volume 105 Issue 2 of our news magazine the Amplifier.
Fresh Pitch, the school’s acapella group, had seven performances outside of school during December.
On Dec. 1, the first gig took place at Graham and Tooze, a farm store in Sherwood. On Dec. 5 they set off to Elden’s Restaurant and Bar in West Linn. The Grotto came next on Dec. 10 with The Loft following soon after on Dec. 14. The Willamette Ale and Cider house gig took place on Dec. 16, and then they performed at the District Office School Board on Dec. 19. Lastly, the group traveled to Athey Creek on Dec. 20 to perform at their assembly.
Their setlist included, “Deck the halls,” “Let it Snow,” “Holy Night,” “We Three Kings,” and “Winter Wonderland.” They used Pentatonix arranged music of “Little Drummer Boy,” and “Silent Night.” On top of the classics, they added “September,” by Earth, Wind & Fire.
Simone Del Carlo, senior, is a member of Fresh Pitch and sings as part of the soprano twos.
“It changes sometimes. So we have about eight songs that we’ve kind of rotated in and out, and it depends on where we are,” Del Carlo said. “When we were in the Grotto, which is a cathedral, we took out some of our more like commercialized Christmas songs, whereas [at the Willamette Ale and Cider house] we sang some of those and took out some of our more classical pieces.”
To get ready for the gigs, Fresh Pitch had to practice for many hours.
“We practice every morning at 7:30 a.m., and sometimes outside of school too,” Del Carlo said.
Fresh Pitch has over 15 members, each singing in different parts based on their vocal range. The different voices and sections allow the group to create harmonies. Payden Carmitchel, junior, adds beatboxing to the mix, creating a steady tempo for the group to sing along with.
The money from the performances will go to Fresh Pitch activities and bussing. However, the gigs were mostly for the art and practice of performing. Shannon Wiancko, junior, has been a part of Fresh Pitch since her sophomore year.
“I think we forget how happy music makes other people, because we’ve been singing these songs for a while, but seeing the people sing along with us makes it all worthwhile,” Wiancko said.
*WEB CONTINUATION: This article originally appeared in Volume 105 Issue 2 of our news magazine the Amplifier.
During the week before winter break, students could be found in the Performing Arts Center (PAC) preparing for their annual holiday concerts. Songs such as “Sleigh Ride” and “Christmas Festival” are played at the finale of orchestra and band concerts. These songs are not the only traditions the music programs have created.
Traditions are continued into the classroom through Secret Santa, post-concert celebrations, and in-class parties. This year, band students continue their long-run traditions, while orchestra students look to build off their existing ones.
On Dec. 17, an audience started to fill up for the band’s annual holiday concert. The performance included Jazz Band, Concert Band 1, Concert Band 2, and Symphonic Band playing an arrangement of classical and holiday music.
Claire Hunsaker, senior, has been playing the piccolo and the flute in the Symphonic Band since her sophomore year and has performed at the holiday concert every year since joining the band as a freshman.
“It was almost relaxing, and it felt really nice to just have a fun way to end [the year],” Hunsaker said.
At this year’s concert, the band continued the long-run tradition of playing Christmas Carols, inviting the crowd to sing along while they played. The students on stage wore Santa hats and decorated their instruments to bring the holiday spirit while they played.
“Everyone just has a really fun time, because even if you mess up, it’s probably because you’re laughing, because everyone else is doing something really silly,” Hunsaker said.
Holiday traditions have helped the class bond with each other and make connections.
“In Symphonic, to be such a cohesive band and have such a strong sound, I feel like it’s really important to build this community first,” Hunsaker said.
Being in band has influenced Hunsaker to continue to keep music in her future pathway. Although looking to go into pre-med after high school, she hopes to keep playing the piano outside of school and minor or double major in music.
“I would encourage people to find their group of people, find their family. I found part of my family in band,” Hunsaker said.
On Dec. 18, Leeshia DenHartigh, senior, performed in her final winter orchestra concert.
DenHartigh has been playing the violin for nine years, however, this is her second year performing during the winter concert.
“The concert is honestly just a chance for us to have fun before the break. It’s very much laid back and we get to perform music for fun,” DenHartigh said.
The orchestra continued its tradition of playing “Sleigh Ride.” Students on stage donned Santa hats and played instruments such as bells and slapstick.
“I’m really excited because I [got] to play the slapstick this year,” DenHartigh said.
In class, orchestra students participate in the tradition of Secret Santa and after-concert parties.
“One of the long-running traditions is Secret Santa, which is a chance to really unite all of us,” DenHartigh said. “I think we’ve been doing a really good job with coming together.”
This year, the orchestra’s traditions have continued to grow with the introduction of a new teacher, Tyler Slaughter.
“I’m excited for what Mr. Slaughter has in mind and how he is going to not change our traditions but help shape them in a different way,” DenHartigh said.
This is DenHartigh’s second year at the school and orchestra has impacted her experience.
“My first friends when I moved here were in orchestra,” DenHartigh said. “Orchestra has been such a good pathway for me to meet new people, and honestly I don’t think I would be as comfortable as I am right now meeting new people if it weren’t for orchestra.”
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