Angela Olivera, Journalist
2 February, 2024
To celebrate Christmas, and to create a festive environment, on December 18th, Port Chester High School held its annual winter concert. This is an event where the school’s music groups perform on the brightly lit stage, such as the Jazz band, and the Orchestra directed both by Ms. Neyer, the Concert Band, directed by Mr. Miceli, and the Port Chester Sound and Concert Choir, both directed by Mr. Pereira. Each music group performed different pieces of classical, Christmas, and pop songs. In order to make the music sound organized, the choir was divided according to voice range: sopranos, altos, basses, tenors. The bands and the orchestra were divided according to instruments.
To make the concert memorable, the directors chose songs that are well known, such as River, performed by Port Chester Sound, Bohemian Rhapsody, performed by the Concert Choir, and El Toro, performed by the Orchestra. The directors chose Christmas songs such as Cowboy Christmas, performed by the Concert Band, Rudolph the Red Nosed Reindeer, performed by the Jazz Band, Gabriella Calypso’s Holiday, performed by the Orchestra, and Jingle Bells, performed by the Concert Choir. These songs brought nostalgia to the audience as some of them are over 20 years old.
Each group worked hard during numerous dress rehearsals both during and outside of the class periods in order to make the performances sound great. Rehearsals would take place in the auditorium, on the first floor or in the band rooms, on the third floor. Directors decided on a dress code in order to separate them from people in the audience and to look formal and professional. The dress code consisted of black dress pants, white long sleeved button down shirts, black shoes and tie, black blouses, and black dresses.
Performing the winter concert allows both families and students to get excited and festive. The winter concert gave students the opportunity to show their talents and do what they love. It gives families the opportunity to visit the school, see their children’s talent as well as know the environment that they’re in everyday. Each family received a paper showing the order of the groups performing, so they know when their child is performing and it was widely enjoyed by them. The support from the families was very beneficial to both the students and music teachers.
Photo Credit: PCHSMB Association