By Hannah Frazier
The TPA extracurricular department showed off its talent at the winter orchestra and choir ensemble concert on Monday, Dec. 5.
The concert shined a spotlight on the students who enjoy performing music in their own time. The concert featured Beginning Sinfonia, Chamber Strings, Bel Canto and Cantamus, who all showed the results of their hard work throughout the first semester. Christmas trees decorated the stage and although they were left from the Sadie’s dance, they perfectly fit the winter wonderland theme of the performance.
The program started with Beginning Sinfonia, led by Mr. and Mrs. Wilkison who teach students about the introductory dynamics of string instruments. The group of 11 played two exciting numbers and featured instruments ranging from violin to ukulele to trumpets.
Next, Chamber Strings, led by Dr. Mitton, played six numbers and showed their diverse range of abilities with a variety of genres. The students showed how powerful music can be despite their small group of seven musicians.
After the instruments completed their sets, the Bel Canto middle school choir took to the stage. Led by Mrs. Turley and accompanied by Herr Gray, the 13 middle schoolers sang beautifully and displayed their talents through three pieces. For one number, the singers were accompanied by seventh-grader Renae Brown, who plays in Chamber Strings and sings in Bel Canto. Another song featured two soloists: sixth-grader Lukas Frazier and seventh-grader Nicandra Acosta. Once Bel Canto finished its designated songs, Cantamus performed. One of the smallest TPA choirs in years, these 13 high school students gave it their all with four stunning numbers. Led by Dr. Mitton and accompanied by Herr Gray, they showed off their technical skill and talent. First-time choir member junior Zoe Lenz had a blast: “I had so much fun! It was a great experience and I loved being part of such an amazing group.”
For their fourth number, the choir sang “Somewhere Only We Know” by the band Keane, which featured two male soloists: seniors Henry Akins and Lucas Bartylla-Islas. “I felt like the solo went well,” Lucas says, “I feel like splitting it with Henry made it sound even better. It really helped me get over my nerves as I’ve been nervous to do a solo in the past.” Despite the solos being last minute, the additions made the song extra special.
To end the concert, the middle school and high school choirs joined forces and sang a rendition of “Jingle Bells” with a surprise Santa Claus, played by class of 2021 alumnus Sam Campbell.
The concert was a hit for those who came to listen. Lukas says, “This choir performance went perfectly and I’m so excited for the next choir performance to come.”