The Winter Gala visits PHUHS

Hurricane alert: This concert is going to blow you away.

As soon as you enter the auditorium, instrumental harmony fills the air. Everyone is fixated on the sheet music before them, while they pour their hearts and souls into their incredible music.

The symphony was amazing, professional, and it just blew me away. After hearing just one song, it became obvious one is in the presence of dedicated musicians.

Hosted on Thursday, December 10th from 7-9 p.m., this holiday-themed music production promised to knock your socks off, and it delivered. This memorable showcase was spectacular, complemented by Christmas lights and incredible music. This event is one that won’t be forgotten.

This production featured the band, orchestra, percussion, chorus, and jazz ensemble. To anyone who was unsure whether they should see a school concert or not, Hallie Vo, a Cello player in the production said “you can actually do something social instead of staying home and watching Netflix.”

Admissions were only $5 and they sold out fast, so you needed to come early, maybe around 6:30, instead of right at 7.

Annie Vo, a viola player taking part in the showcase, said students should come “to support the school music program.”

Some of the songs played included holiday classics like “How the Grinch Stole Christmas,” featuring the orchestra, and “Rudolph the Red-Nosed Reindeer.”

The advanced orchestra also did a few songs alongside the chorus.

Through the way everyone’s voices aligned perfectly with the music, it was clear the groups had rehearsed well.

In fact, the students in the music programs had been practicing since October.

Each member had been practicing frequently and according to Paulina Kapuscinska, a trombone player in the band, they need to be dedicated and practice often. Kapuscinska said, “I practice over the weekend, and every school day since band is my elective. This week, we have been doing additional practice because it’s the week of the performance.”

Kapuscinska also said “we will be playing Christmas on Broadway, Sleigh Ride, and Mary’s Boy Child.” And that’s just for the band; there were plenty of other songs the orchestra, jazz ensemble, chorus, and percussion will play, too.

There was a wide variety of amazing songs played that got everyone ready for the holidays. Kyle Romero, a tuba player in the band, said “‘my favorite song is ‘Christmas on Broadway.’” One of the highlights of the show was when the orchestra and chorus teamed up for six movements of Vivaldi’s “Gloria”.

Over one hundred students were involved in the concert. Everyone clearly worked extremely hard, as was exhibited when each song was played to perfection, the emotion-evoking music filling the auditorium, which, as expected, was packed. The $5 tickets had quickly sold out.

Thanks to the wonderful music program, conducted by Mr. Dykes, and all the hard-working students, the performance was a major success and all members performed extraordinarily at the concert.

Each song’s dynamics were skillfully captured and each lyric was clear. This was extremely impressive, considering some groups have only been able to practice their songs for a few weeks.

The whole event was a huge success and, hopefully, the next concert is just around the corner.