The fall performing arts showcase granted musicians and performers the taste of concert glory that they missed last school year. The showcase was divided into two parts: one at 6:30 and one at 7:45. Band, orchestra, and guitar performed in the first concert and more guitar, choir, and dance performed in the second. The performing arts program provided an excellent show that highlighted the talents of all students. It’s obvious these musicians dedicated hard work and time in order to get to this point in their career.

“The big thing for us is controlling adrenaline and reintroducing ourselves to the stage and performing without fear,” David Sobel, conductor of the choir and guitarists, said.

Mr. Sobel emphasizes the importance of positive reinforcement, especially when getting used to being on stage again. Once past the nerves, musicians and the audience can enjoy the full experience of the concert.

Maddie Magliocca (‘23), a trumpet player in the concert band, provides some good advice for performers.

“Nerves are good because it means you care, but I don’t never let myself fixate on it,” Magliocca said. “Repeating ‘I’m excited to show what I know’ gets me through.”

Nerves were a big part of the fall showcase just from not having felt the pre-performance anxieties in over a year. However, besides the nerves, being on stage was a huge triumph for musicians.

“This year’s concert felt a little rushed but was better than expected after a year with Covid,” Charlotte Harvey (‘23), member of the choir said. “We worked hard and performed to the best of our ability.”

Agreeing with Harvey, Mr. Sobel refers to this performance as “magical” and how it was more process-oriented, rather than results-oriented.

The second concert held guitar, choir, then dance. Guitar came first, having two group performances and 4 soloists. The soloists being Carter Crowe (‘22), Jonathan Gorman (‘22), Spencer Gudeman (‘22), and Nicanor Roebuck (‘23). Each soloists performing their own song, each being different and unique. Roebuck, the last to go, decided to sing and play his guitar at the same time, singing a Portuguese song.

“It took a lot of practice and a lot of preparation, as well as lot of relaxing before my performance in order to control my nerves,” said Roebuck.

Roebuck also mentioned the masks, as they made performing a little more difficult and it did not feel as glorifying to perform with a mask.

Lastly, dance performed, having two group dances and one solo dance. Cassie Chason (‘24) was the soloist dancing to an elegant French song, “Je te laisserai des mots.” The last dance of the night was choreographed by a member from the dance team, Ellie McCullough (‘22).

“I had started to think about my choreography and music during the summer because I was really hoping to be able to pull the dance together by October,” McCullough said while explaining the process. “The choreography was taught between dance classes and enrichment on A days.”

The performing arts have a lot more in store this school year. After a break of no concerts, student musicians will be sure to leave an impression. Theatre will have a show before Thanksgiving break, dance will perform the first week of December, and the musical ensembles have their concerts the 14^th and 16^th of December.