The setting wasn’t perfect like that of the Disney Hall, but Orchestras 1 and 2 and Concert Bands 1 and 2 were able to transport the audience from the North Gym to a harmonious universe. According to Orchestra 1 Director Mr. Rick England, all it took was “a little technique, a little motivation, a little practice, [and] sometimes [the] sacrifice of a freshman or two….”
On Mar. 30, Orchestras 1 and 2 and Concert Bands 1 and 2 held the Spring Concert, from 7:00 to 9:00 p.m. to showcase their long hours of hard work and practice. The Spring Concert is an ongoing tradition that Orchestra and Concert Band members can look forward to in the second half of the year.
With the help of their teachers, both orchestras and concert bands were able to successfully play the songs to the best of their abilities. Junior Tammy Wong of Orchestra 2 stated that Director Mr. Tom Forbes constantly “push[ed them] until [they] sound[ed] great” because he is aware that they all have great potential. Concert Band Director Mr. Tom Landes knew that his “students want to be there and do a good job” so that they can perfect their musical talent. Mr. Landes and his fellow concert band director, Mr. Kevin Sherrill, even began to hold 7:00 a.m. rehearsals every Tuesday and Thursday from the beginning of March.
As the concert drew closer, freshman Yanzie Chow of Orchestra 1 was extremely “anxious, but excited at the same time” because she was be able to share her passion for music with the audience. A couple of years ago, senior Felicia Choi of Concert Band 2 would have felt the same, but now her feelings are more along the lines of “nostalgia and pride.”
During the concert, the audience first enjoyed a variety of songs by Orchestra 2, then Orchestra 1, followed by Concert Band 1, and finally Concert Band 2. From Orchestra 2, the audience also enjoyed the tunes of the “Slavic Dance,” “Praeludium in D Major, BWV 532,”  and “Pastorella.”  Orchestra 1 performed songs such as “Allegretto” from The Creatures of Prometheus op.43, “Gentle Annie,” and “Dance of the Tumblers.” Additionally, there was a violin solo by Violin First Chair freshman Nicole Kim and a cello solo by freshman Calvin Huang. The songs Concert Band 1 played were “Amazing Grace,” “Celebration and Dance,” and “Lead On, O King Eternal.” Concert Band 2 finished the night off with “English Folk Song Suite” and “Flashing Winds.”
Expectations were set high and successfully met through the collage of pieces our orchestras and concert bands performed. Thanks to their time, effort, and early morning rehearsals, orchestra and concert band members put on yet another unforgettable concert that perfectly reflected their dedication to music.

Q: How many people can boast a dedication to the extent of shaving one’s head?
A: Senior Drew McDaniels, of Advanced Drama Department (ADD), for one.
ADD’s latest production is scheduled to rock it, in the musical sense, of course, in its showcasing of Bat Boy: the Musical, coming Mar. 30 to Apr. 3 in the Little Theater. The musical, projected to cost over $10,000, is highly anticipated to be bigger and better than ever. (Remember Little Shop of Horrors, anyone?) After all, who could ask for more than an elaborate set, an amazing director and choreographer, some ridiculous costumes, professional lighting, and, most of all, a stunning cast?
Some of the main cast will include junior Stevie Gibbs, seniors Virginia Ma,  Chris McKinley, and  Peter Eskander, and Drew as Bat Boy. This group of talented people has rehearsed Monday to Friday, 3:00 to 6:30 p.m., for weeks, and is sure not to disappoint. “Nothing other than the best from our cast!” Peter proudly exclaimed. But ADD students are not the only stars: this production will also mark the first time members of Intermediate Dance and Stagecraft are involved. All in all, approximately 30 people will be on stage at some point or another during the course of the show. Not to mention that audience members will also have the privilege of seeing their favorite teachers on stage…who wants to see Ms. Claudia Diaz eaten? Or Mr. Matthew Woodin?
Bat Boy is a musical based on a hoax article the Weekly World Newspaper once published about a half-bat, half-human creature found alive in a cave. In this stunning musical, the distorted  creature is kindly taken in by a hospitable family, but has problems integrating itself with the rest of the townsfolk. Bat Boy himself does not like killing, but his eating habits are questionable. Drew described his character as having two sides: one dignified, one animalistic. Bat Boy likes blood—which is not entirely surprising, but not so acceptable. Dealing with issues such as diversity, the musical will be something all high school students can relate to—the self-identifying aspect will definitely “resonate with the students,” said ADD Director Mr. Steven Volpe. “It’s really important for the audience to leave the theater reflecting on the moral of the play,” he continued as he explained the many controversial viewpoints about the script. The musical is guaranteed to be radical and provocative, fully celebrating diversity.
And fun. Let’s not forget that. “Kooky” was Mr. Volpe’s descriptive adjective. Alternately, “I love this play more than rainbows!” was Chris’s deemed assessment of the production. A basic musical is composed of three elements: acting, singing, and dancing, and all three are fully combined in this extravagant performance. Mr. Volpe, as usual, is covering the theatrical elements of the stage. Orchesis Teacher Ms. Liza Tedford is choreographing. Music will be provided through a live band playing behind the backdrops each night, not to mention the professional director who was brought in to assist the cast in the many four-part harmonies. The musical director Joshua Kranz has worked on Broadway and all throughout Europe in musical productions. The genres of the songs vary from musical theater to rock to rap to gospel—something for everyone. The set, too, is worth much credit and mention: the initial scene will be set to have the entire theater as a cave—and on stage will be a masterful piece of work, complete with stairs and doors and a rolling forest.
But if for nothing else, go see the bald guy. Pre-sale tickets can be bought from any theater member for $10, or at the door for $15. “Think a mix between Edward Cullen [from Twilight] and Spock from Star Trek with a shaved head,” laughed Drew of his character’s looks. Once again, that’s Mar. 30 to Apr. 3. See you there!