During a practice, the band strives to produce pristine music for the “Christmas Around the World” performance. Photo by: Janessa Salazar
By Janessa Salazar
The annual Plymouth High School music concert “Christmas Spectacular” may be over this year, but there is still snow, hot chocolate, and even Christmas to think about. No worries because the show will be back next year for all of the community to see.
Sunday, December 9th was the PHS Music Department’s annual Christmas concert, the Christmas Spectacular. This year’s theme was “Christmas Around the World.” With African music and dances, to the very classic song “Last Christmas” by Wham!, PHS had many songs that reflected traditions all around the world. Not only was the choir in the Christmas Spectacular, but also performing along side them were the band and orchestra. The whole Music Department was there to give the audience a very Merry Christmas and spread the Christmas spirit. From the very beginning of the show to very end, everyone saw the switch between choir and band and felt the cultural differences between the songs.
Rehearsing and performing, Chorale sings “Last Christmas” By Wham. Photo by: Janessa Salazar
Students from the concert are either in band or choir or even in both. For those students in both band and choir, it is hard to transition from one to the other. Junior Joe Brennan said, “It was hard to start with at first because you have to use certain parts of of your body for choir and different parts for band.”
Both Crimson choir students sophomore Reuben Osman and senior Blake Miller mentioned that everyone had been preparing for three weeks. They learned and rehearsed brand new songs and dances. When it comes time for the concert, there also comes nerves. Osman said, “Of Course! I’m always nervous before and during the show! Well, for one thing you are always thinking of the different parts you need [to] sing correctly in a song, and also the right positions you need to be in while in a song with choreography.” Brennan said that he was not nervous because he has done this some many times it does not really affect him. With a concert like this, students put all their attention and focus into the music and the show.
The opening and ending songs were performed by the whole Music Department and everything in between. Sung first was “Little Drummer Boy,” then the first group was on stage ready to go. Osman said, “I liked when all the choirs came out on the stage and sang Little Drummer Boy. I thought it was a powerful song to start the show.” The violinist played their songs for the audience, while back stage was the mixed choir, Choral waiting to perform next. Music was not the only entertainment in the concert but there were funny moments too. During the concert, Mrs. Glaub explained that she dropped her lipstick and when she went to go put it back up, it would not stay. Miller says that she just ended up giving him her lipstick.
Practicing her Christmas songs on the piano, Choir Director Mrs. Mary Pat Glaub was preparing for her last Christmas show. Photo by: Janessa Salazar
It was “The Christmas Spectacular: Christmas Around the World” concert this year, but it was also the last for Choir director Mrs. Mary Pat Glaub. For years, Mrs. Glaub has been in charge of these shows, and making sure everything is in order. She says that it can be difficult, but in the end, it all comes together. Knowing that this was her last Christmas concert she quoted, “It was hard knowing it was my last.” Although having the last show can be bittersweet, Mrs. Glaub has had much fun working alongside students and staff. She continued to say, “I want to thank Mr. Ames for being such a good friend and co-worker, it has always fun to do [a] show with band and choir to see everyone’s talent.” This show was definitely one to remember.