As the days count down to winter break and the outdoors transform into a snowy Winter Wonderland, it’s no surprise that staff and students at Lakeview High School would be brimming with holiday spirit, including the choir. A Christmas tree now decorates the room, alongside a few more festive decorations. Carols can be heard echoing through the hallway.
On Monday, December 15th, at 7:00pm in Raidel Auditorium, the choir will be having its upcoming Gift to the Community Concert.
Choir Director, Rebecca Shelton shows great enthusiasm towards this concert. She describes it as, “Lakeview High School’s biggest concert of the year.”
This enthusiasm seems to be shared with her students.
Junior Isabella Marsh of Honors Choir revealed her favorite aspect of the concert, “How the harmonies mash together and overall, how we all make the music sound like it just flows through the atmosphere. It feels like the music is just meant to be there.” It sounds truly magical.
Behind the scenes of this whimsical concert tradition is lots of hard work and dedication.
Shelton explains that, “Months of preparation go into preparing for the Gift to the Community Concert. From the first days of school in August, we are laying the foundation for successful performances through our practice and routines. Our fall concert in October breaks the ice of performing for the year, and from October to now, all choirs are full-force preparing for this holiday celebration. All three choirs meet daily. This concert is a culmination of nearly 100 hours of rehearsal since the beginning of the school year.”
Not only does this concert serve as a testament to the skills of the members of choir, but a way to create cherished memories and bond with others.
Choir President and senior Axel Pistilli reflected on the holiday concerts from the past. “It’s difficult and sometimes stressful but it’s definitely worth it,” reveals Pistilli. “My favorite thing about the holiday concert is getting to spend the time with the choir who I see more as a family.”
If you wish to support Lakeview Choir in future endeavors, you can do so by attending concerts.
Shelton elaborates that “attending performances helps our members see that what they are working for matters in the community and is valued as part of our culture. For the spring semester, our two main concerts are March 11th to celebrate Music in Our Schools Month, and May 11th for our Spring Choral Concert.”
Another way to show support is to participate in fundraising. “Participating in fundraising events also helps show support as the costs of running a successful program add up, as well as help me to provide our students with new opportunities. Plan to support our choirs at our spring hanging flower basket sale in mid-April.”
Good luck to everyone involved in the upcoming holiday concert. Their dedication will surely pay off.
