The band, orchestra, and choir performed a concert to spread the word about music and to try to raise money for drives like bakeries and instruments to help maintain all the equipment. They were stressed about the preparation since they had been preparing for the entire quarter and stayed at school for practice until eight or even longer. It was also the first concert where they all performed together, which made the event feel more important for everyone involved.

As the concert grew closer, rehearsals increased for them. The schedule became one after-school practice and one during conferences, then another one after school on Wednesdays, so choir, band, and orchestra could practice all together. They have three times for group practices. The band and orchestra students have done lots of practicing in their classes, but many kids also take their instruments home throughout the weekends to keep improving.

Freshman Denise Mendoza in band said, “Basically just practicing, make sure everybody knows their songs, we’re breaking the sectionals and just work with our section.” Sectionals helped them focus on smaller parts so they could come together better during full rehearsals. The choir meets twice a week after school to practice the dance. They work on their sheet music separately, and so does the orchestra. Band, orchestra, and choir teachers work together, and each teacher did at least one song to help the groups stay on track.

Junior Rose Pope in choir said, “Choir is gonna sing some Christmas music and then we have joint songs with a man in orchestra and we also have a show choir song where we’re gonna be dancing on stage for one of the songs.” Sophomore Natalie Sievers in orchestra said, “We combine the sheet music and we just throw it together and it comes out really nice.”

This year’s concert theme is winter, so most of the songs are mainly Christmas pieces. They worked on songs like “Carol of the Bells,” “Sleigh Ride,” “Holy Night,” and “Winter Pop Trio.” The groups practiced going class by class and then bringing everyone together for the combined numbers. Many students said this part was their favorite because it was the only time they could hear how all three groups sounded together and see the full concert finally coming together.